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Chassis n° 904-061
RM Sotheby's
Place Vauban
Parijs - Paris
Frankrijk - France
February 2020
Estimated : € 1.600.000 - 1.800.000
Sold for € 1.917.500
While Ferdinand ‘Butzi’ Porsche is best known for his landmark 901/911 design, he also penned the beautiful 904 GTS coupe. This stunning two-seat, dual-purpose sports car was the first Porsche to wear an aerodynamic and lightweight glass-fibre bodyshell. Its powerplant was the sophisticated quad-cam, air-cooled, opposed four-cylinder engine carried over from the 356 Carrera, mounted amidships. A small number of late-production cars were fitted with six-cylinder engines from the 906. A total of 108 chassis were constructed by the factory, plus a few more later from spare parts.
The Kardex of chassis no 904-061 states that it was completed 4 March 1964 and delivered to its first owner through Glöckler of Frankfurt on 8 April. Finished in Signal Red with a blue cloth interior, this chassis was fitted with engine number P99045 (Type 587/3) and gearbox number 904061 (Type 904/0). Its Kardex indicates the car was retained by Glöckler until at least September, by then having accrued 6,500 km. Historical records show the car being sold to a Portuguese enthusiast, believed to be a Mr Dos Santos, who drove the car on a tour of Portugal. Around 1969 the car was acquired by noted French driver Raymond Touroul.
According to Rolf Sprenger and Steve Heinrichs’s Porsche Carrera: The 4-Cam Motor and the Early Years of Porsche Motorsport, Touroul raced with this 904 at a handful of events in period, including with co-driver Pierre Pagani at the 1969 Tour de France, where the car retired. Touroul appeared at the Coupes de Vitesse at Montlhéry in May of 1971, finishing 4th overall. He raced twice at Albi, finishing 3rd overall in 1971 and 3rd in class in 1972, which was his final listed event in the car.
Circa 1980 the car was restored and repainted in its original Signal Red and trimmed in cream leather. By 1988 the car reportedly had accrued barely 13,000 km. By the late 1990s, the car had been purchased by enthusiast and collector Alain Salat. In 2000 it was entrusted to a marque specialist, who repainted the car Silver Metallic and installed a new black interior. The original four-cam engine was found to have been damaged and was replaced by a period-correct, magnesium-cased, twin plug, Type 906 two-liter, six-cylinder engine. In 2007 it was purchased by the current owner. He decided to restore the original engine to its former glory, yet did not fit it to the car in an effort to preserve it for future use. This engine is now out of the car, has been dyno tested, and is offered complete with flywheel, cooling turbine, carburettors, and ignition system. Following the restoration, the car appeared at the 2010 Le Mans Classic.
The car is supplied with its FIA Historic Technical Passport issued in 2008, a significant history file, and a second set of wheels. Presently showing 24,000 km, believed to be original, and benefitting from a clear ownership history, this 904 is one of the most original examples RM Sotheby’s has had the pleasure of offering. It is ready for vintage touring and rallying, with its amazing Type 906 six-cylinder engine, or, should its fortunate next owner desire, it could be restored to factory original specification with its original four-cylinder engine, offering truly the best of both worlds.
Racing south with the 1M11 Glasgow Central to London Euston is an unidentified Class 390 Pendolino.
Since their introduction in 2002, the Class 390 tilting Pendolino sets have revolutionised services on the West Coast Mainline, bringing about an entirely new level of speed onto a route notorious for its laboriously winding route. But with such a technological leap, the Class 390 has sadly paid the price for its image due to what it was replacing.
The idea of a tilting train on the West Coast Mainline was however not a new one to Alstom when they developed the Pendolino sets in the late 1990's, with the concept being toyed way back in the early 1970's. British Rail first pioneered the concept of the tilting train with the ill-fated Advanced Passenger Train or APT of the mid-1970's. The idea was to create a train that could shift its centre of gravity whilst moving around sharp bends at high speeds, similar to how a motorcyclist leans into corners. This was to not only allow the train to travel at higher speeds on winding track without fear of it falling over, but also to improve passenger comfort levels and stop people being pressed against the windows when taking corners!
The original APT was a Gas-Turbine unit that operated on the Midland Region out of London St Pancras, and was later followed by the Class 370 electric multiple unit that began trials on the West Coast Mainline from 1980. A truly brilliant concept, the APT showed the world that the idea of a tilting train could be possible, that is, when it worked. The Class 370 was marred by teething problems and reliability issues, mostly consisting of the fact that the tilting mechanism wouldn't work properly or there would be just general train faults. Coupled with the winter of 1981, the worst winter for many years, and the train's image was damaged beyond repair. Even while developments were looking promising, and with only a few million Pounds required to complete the project, the British Government pulled the plug and the APT was axed in 1986, with only one complete set remaining as a rather sorry museum piece. The train of the future had become a thing of the past.
But the developments of the APT were picked up by none-other than Fiat Ferroviaria, who, following the failure of their British rival, developed their own and much more successful tilting train, the ETR-401 Pendolino, which began operations in 1988. This was later translated into a fleet of 15 ETR 450 production units which became the first revenue earning tilting trains.
In 2000, Fiat Ferroviaria was acquired by Alstom, who has been building their legendary tilting trains ever since. This coincided with the formation of Virgin Trains following privatisation of British Rail in 1994. As part of Virgin Trains' franchise requirements in 1997, the company intended the replacement of the ageing BR stock of the 1960's with a new fleet of high speed trains that would reduce journey times and up travel quality. As such, Virgin turned to Fiat Ferroviaria and later successor Alstom to provide them with a derivative version of the company's latest tilting Pendolino, the ETR 460.
Fiat Ferroviaria supplied much of the content of the Class 390 units, including the bodyshell and the bogies, while final assembly was carried out at Washwood Heath. The tilting technology was developed by SIG Switzerland (later Fiat-SIG, today Alstom). Two electromechanical actuators are used per car to achieve the desired tilting angle on curved stretches of track. The train can tilt to a maximum of eight degrees, at which point one side of the cabin train is 380 mm higher above the track than the other. In contrast to other Fiat Ferroviaria tilting trains which use hydraulic tilting actuators, the electromechanical systems offers lower maintenance cost and higher efficiency.
The new trains were intended to run at 140mph, but the West Coast Main Line modernisation programme, which was an upgrade to the infrastructure to allow faster line speeds, ran over budget. Consequently, plans were scaled back, and in a manner reminiscent of the introduction of the InterCity 225, the lack of signalling upgrades resulted in the maximum line speed being restricted to 125mph. Although this (and 140mph) are well below BR's hopes for APT of 155mph, it does match the maximum speed of 125mph for the APT in passenger service (although one APT set reached 162mph in testing).
The fleet was introduced into passenger services from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly on 23rd July, 2002, to coincide with the opening of the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester. Over the next few months they took over the Manchester services, and were soon introduced on routes from London to Liverpool Lime Street, Birmingham New Street, Wolverhampton and Preston.
With the start of Class 390 operations, the writing was very much on the wall for the ageing sets of trains it was replacing, and thus the Class 390's image began to be somewhat tarnished amongst the railway purists. First to go were the Class 86's of the 1960's, proud high-speed locomotives that were once the mainstay of the WCML, withdrawn from service in 2003 following both the introduction of the Class 390's, and the Class 220/221 Voyager units on Cross-Country services. Next were the newer Class 90's of 1989, replaced in 2004 once Class 390's had been allocated to routes north of Preston. The final locomotive hauled trains were provided by the Class 87's of the 1970's, which held strong until final replacement in 2005, bringing an end to locomotive hauled services on the West Coast Mainline. From then on, the Class 86's have mostly been scrapped, whilst Class 90's were transferred to Anglia to replace their Class 86 fleet. Class 87's on the other hand have since been exported largely to Bulgaria, the few remaining here in the UK either being scrapped, placed in storage, or made into museum pieces. This left a great deal of animosity towards the Class 390's by the railway enthusiast community, who, even after 10 years, still have a strong hatred towards these trains.
The service improvements however are something that can't be taken away from the Class 390's as these trains have taken the original and comparatively sluggish 110mph top speed and translated it into the extremely fast 125mph running speed that BR had dreamt of for years. In September 2006, the Pendolino set a new speed record, completing the 401 mile length of the West Coast Main Line from Glasgow Central to London Euston in 3 hours, 55 minutes, beating the 4-hour-14-minute record for the southbound run previously set in 1981 by the Class 370 APT. The APT however retains the ultimate speed record for this route, having completed the northbound journey between London Euston and Glasgow Central in 3 hours 52 minutes in 1984 which included a 5-minute delay due to a signal fault.
Since then the Pendolino has become very much a staple of high speed train travel in the UK, and still looks good even 15 years after the first ones hit the test tracks back in 2001.
The Class 390 was put to the test however with 390033 'City of Glasgow', which was written off after the Grayrigg derailment of February 23rd, 2007. The accident had been caused by a points malfunction, which, after a failure to inspect by Network Rail, changed the direction of travel from normal and thus resulted in the entire set derailing and plummeting down an embankment at 95mph. The sturdy design and robust nature of the Class 390 has been attributed to the fact that only one person, an elderly lady, was killed in the disaster, whereas if the previous MkII carriages had been involved, the death-toll could have been much higher. As said, the unit was written off, and the less damaged rear carriages of the set now reside at the Crewe Training Centre and are used for the instruction of drivers and train crew. The subsequent destruction of one of the units led to Virgin Trains reinstating a loco-hauled service to cover its diagrams, this being in the form of a hired Class 90 (usually from Freightliner), a set of 9 MkIII coaches, and a Driving Van Trailer. This train operated covering diagrams until November 2014, when it was retired and transferred to Greater Anglia.
Since 2007 the Class 390's have had their fleet enhanced from the original 53 sets to 57 with the addition of 4 new units between 2011 and 2012. The introduction of these new sets coincided with the extension of 31 sets to 11-cars, with new carriages built and imported from Alstom's factory in Italy, the first routine 11-car InterCity train to operate in the UK since the 1970's.
Today the Class 390's continue to ply their merry trade, and remain vital parts of the UK's high speed network, bringing Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool and London closer together than they've ever been before.
In glorious summer evening sky, we see two Virgin Trains Class 390 Pendolinos passing each other at Lichfield Trent Valley. Speeding north, an unidentified unit works the 1H73 London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly, whilst awaiting departure with the 1A76 Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston is 390119.
Since their introduction in 2002, the Class 390 tilting Pendolino sets have revolutionised services on the West Coast Mainline, bringing about an entirely new level of speed onto a route notorious for its laboriously winding route. But with such a technological leap, the Class 390 has sadly paid the price for its image due to what it was replacing.
The idea of a tilting train on the West Coast Mainline was however not a new one to Alstom when they developed the Pendolino sets in the late 1990's, with the concept being toyed way back in the early 1970's. British Rail first pioneered the concept of the tilting train with the ill-fated Advanced Passenger Train or APT of the mid-1970's. The idea was to create a train that could shift its centre of gravity whilst moving around sharp bends at high speeds, similar to how a motorcyclist leans into corners. This was to not only allow the train to travel at higher speeds on winding track without fear of it falling over, but also to improve passenger comfort levels and stop people being pressed against the windows when taking corners!
The original APT was a Gas-Turbine unit that operated on the Midland Region out of London St Pancras, and was later followed by the Class 370 electric multiple unit that began trials on the West Coast Mainline from 1980. A truly brilliant concept, the APT showed the world that the idea of a tilting train could be possible, that is, when it worked. The Class 370 was marred by teething problems and reliability issues, mostly consisting of the fact that the tilting mechanism wouldn't work properly or there would be just general train faults. Coupled with the winter of 1981, the worst winter for many years, and the train's image was damaged beyond repair. Even while developments were looking promising, and with only a few million Pounds required to complete the project, the British Government pulled the plug and the APT was axed in 1986, with only one complete set remaining as a rather sorry museum piece. The train of the future had become a thing of the past.
But the developments of the APT were picked up by none-other than Fiat Ferroviaria, who, following the failure of their British rival, developed their own and much more successful tilting train, the ETR-401 Pendolino, which began operations in 1988. This was later translated into a fleet of 15 ETR 450 production units which became the first revenue earning tilting trains.
In 2000, Fiat Ferroviaria was acquired by Alstom, who has been building their legendary tilting trains ever since. This coincided with the formation of Virgin Trains following privatisation of British Rail in 1994. As part of Virgin Trains' franchise requirements in 1997, the company intended the replacement of the ageing BR stock of the 1960's with a new fleet of high speed trains that would reduce journey times and up travel quality. As such, Virgin turned to Fiat Ferroviaria and later successor Alstom to provide them with a derivative version of the company's latest tilting Pendolino, the ETR 460.
Fiat Ferroviaria supplied much of the content of the Class 390 units, including the bodyshell and the bogies, while final assembly was carried out at Washwood Heath. The tilting technology was developed by SIG Switzerland (later Fiat-SIG, today Alstom). Two electromechanical actuators are used per car to achieve the desired tilting angle on curved stretches of track. The train can tilt to a maximum of eight degrees, at which point one side of the cabin train is 380 mm higher above the track than the other. In contrast to other Fiat Ferroviaria tilting trains which use hydraulic tilting actuators, the electromechanical systems offers lower maintenance cost and higher efficiency.
The new trains were intended to run at 140mph, but the West Coast Main Line modernisation programme, which was an upgrade to the infrastructure to allow faster line speeds, ran over budget. Consequently, plans were scaled back, and in a manner reminiscent of the introduction of the InterCity 225, the lack of signalling upgrades resulted in the maximum line speed being restricted to 125mph. Although this (and 140mph) are well below BR's hopes for APT of 155mph, it does match the maximum speed of 125mph for the APT in passenger service (although one APT set reached 162mph in testing).
The fleet was introduced into passenger services from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly on 23rd July, 2002, to coincide with the opening of the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester. Over the next few months they took over the Manchester services, and were soon introduced on routes from London to Liverpool Lime Street, Birmingham New Street, Wolverhampton and Preston.
With the start of Class 390 operations, the writing was very much on the wall for the ageing sets of trains it was replacing, and thus the Class 390's image began to be somewhat tarnished amongst the railway purists. First to go were the Class 86's of the 1960's, proud high-speed locomotives that were once the mainstay of the WCML, withdrawn from service in 2003 following both the introduction of the Class 390's, and the Class 220/221 Voyager units on Cross-Country services. Next were the newer Class 90's of 1989, replaced in 2004 once Class 390's had been allocated to routes north of Preston. The final locomotive hauled trains were provided by the Class 87's of the 1970's, which held strong until final replacement in 2005, bringing an end to locomotive hauled services on the West Coast Mainline. From then on, the Class 86's have mostly been scrapped, whilst Class 90's were transferred to Anglia to replace their Class 86 fleet. Class 87's on the other hand have since been exported largely to Bulgaria, the few remaining here in the UK either being scrapped, placed in storage, or made into museum pieces. This left a great deal of animosity towards the Class 390's by the railway enthusiast community, who, even after 10 years, still have a strong hatred towards these trains.
The service improvements however are something that can't be taken away from the Class 390's as these trains have taken the original and comparatively sluggish 110mph top speed and translated it into the extremely fast 125mph running speed that BR had dreamt of for years. In September 2006, the Pendolino set a new speed record, completing the 401 mile length of the West Coast Main Line from Glasgow Central to London Euston in 3 hours, 55 minutes, beating the 4-hour-14-minute record for the southbound run previously set in 1981 by the Class 370 APT. The APT however retains the ultimate speed record for this route, having completed the northbound journey between London Euston and Glasgow Central in 3 hours 52 minutes in 1984 which included a 5-minute delay due to a signal fault.
Since then the Pendolino has become very much a staple of high speed train travel in the UK, and still looks good even 15 years after the first ones hit the test tracks back in 2001.
The Class 390 was put to the test however with 390033 'City of Glasgow', which was written off after the Grayrigg derailment of February 23rd, 2007. The accident had been caused by a points malfunction, which, after a failure to inspect by Network Rail, changed the direction of travel from normal and thus resulted in the entire set derailing and plummeting down an embankment at 95mph. The sturdy design and robust nature of the Class 390 has been attributed to the fact that only one person, an elderly lady, was killed in the disaster, whereas if the previous MkII carriages had been involved, the death-toll could have been much higher. As said, the unit was written off, and the less damaged rear carriages of the set now reside at the Crewe Training Centre and are used for the instruction of drivers and train crew. The subsequent destruction of one of the units led to Virgin Trains reinstating a loco-hauled service to cover its diagrams, this being in the form of a hired Class 90 (usually from Freightliner), a set of 9 MkIII coaches, and a Driving Van Trailer. This train operated covering diagrams until November 2014, when it was retired and transferred to Greater Anglia.
Since 2007 the Class 390's have had their fleet enhanced from the original 53 sets to 57 with the addition of 4 new units between 2011 and 2012. The introduction of these new sets coincided with the extension of 31 sets to 11-cars, with new carriages built and imported from Alstom's factory in Italy, the first routine 11-car InterCity train to operate in the UK since the 1970's.
Today the Class 390's continue to ply their merry trade, and remain vital parts of the UK's high speed network, bringing Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool and London closer together than they've ever been before.
If you didn't know any better, you wouldn't recognize a 2M62UM loco as one of the old M62 loco's. CZ LOKO build an entire new bodyshell in order to rebuild the old Soviet machines to be able to function well in the current day and time.
During a short stay in Latvia, during which I spend most my time around Jelgava (also because I got a tour through a local factory), I was able to capture a few of these loco's. Among which the 2M62UM-0119, which headed for Liepāja with a mixed freight train. The typical infrastructure that comes with a baltic major station is clearly visible here south of Jelgava.
New, spare bodyshell fitted onto the floorpan of a kit I first built back in the 1990s. The aim was to try and do a better job and get it back on the display shelf again.
Often described as Britain's first supercar (a little late, Italy beat us to that like 5 years earlier!), but the Aston Martin V8 and the derivative Vantage helped keep the company afloat during those dark years of bankruptcy and recovery, even though it almost committed corporate suicide by developing the overly complicated Lagonda!
The original Aston Martin V8 was a coupé manufactured from 1969 to 1989, built to replace the Aston Martin DBS, a more angular car that killed off the DB6, and by extension the iconic design that had eminated through the James Bond DB5. As with all traditional Aston Martins, it was entirely handbuilt, with each car requiring 1,200 manhours to finish. Aston Martin's customers had been clamouring for an eight-cylinder car for years, so Aston Martin designed a larger car. The engine was not ready, however, so in 1967 the company released the DBS with the straight-six Vantage engine from the DB6. Two years later, Tadek Marek's V8 was ready, and Aston released the DBS V8. With the demise of the straight-six Vantage in 1973, the DBS V8, now restyled and called simply the Aston Martin V8, became the company's mainstream car for nearly two decades. It was retired in favour of the Virage in 1989.
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage on the other hand took the original bodyshell of this 60's sports coupé, and completely re-engineered it to create something that was not of this earth! The first series had 375hp, and series specific details such as a blanked bonnet vent and a separate rear spoiler, of which 38 of these were built.
The Vantage name had previously been used on a number of high-performance versions of Aston Martin cars, but this was a separate model. Although based on the Aston Martin V8, numerous detail changes added up to a unique driving experience. One of the most noticeable features was the closed-off hood bulge rather than the open scoop found on the normal V8. The grille area was also closed off, with twin driving lights inserted and a spoiler added to the bootlid.
Upon its introduction in 1977, the car's incredible speed and power was taken up with acclaim, and, as mentioned, was dubbed 'Britain's first supercar', with a top speed of 170 mph top speed. Its engine was shared with the Lagonda, but it used high-performance camshafts, increased compression ratio, larger inlet valves and bigger carburettors mounted on new manifolds for increased output. Straight-line performance was the best of the day, with acceleration from 0–60 mph in 5.3 seconds, one-tenth of a second quicker than the Ferrari Daytona.
The Oscar India version, introduced in late 1978, featured an integrated tea-tray spoiler and smoother bonnet bulge. Inside, a black leather-covered dash replaced the previous walnut. The wooden dashboard did find its way back into the Vantage during the eighties, giving a more luxurious appearance. The Oscar India version also received a slight increase in power, to 390hp. This line was produced, with some running changes, until 1989. From 1986 the engine had 403hp.
1986 saw the introduction of X-Pack was a further upgrade, with Cosworth pistons and Nimrod racing-type heads producing 403hp. A big bore after-market option was also available from Works Service, with 50mm carbs and straight-through exhaust system giving 432hp, the same engine as fitted to the limited-edition V8 Zagato. 16-inch wheels were also now fitted. A 450hp 6.3L version was also available from Aston Martin, and independent manufacturers offered a 7L version just to up the ante.
In 1986, the Vantage had its roof cut off into what would become the convertible Vantage Volante, basically identical. In 1987 The Prince of Wales took delivery of a Vantage Volante, but at his request without the production car's wider wheelarches, front air dam and side skirts. This became known as the 'Prince of Wales Spec' (or POW) and around another 26 such cars were built by the factory.
The Prince was obviously very specific about his motorcars!
304 Series 2 Vantage coupés were built, including 131 X-Packs and 192 Volantes. Volante's are often considered the most desirable of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage range. In all, 534 V8 Vantages were constructed during its 12 year production run, with the car being replaced in 1989 by the Aston Martin Virage, as well as a new generation V8 Vantage which remained somewhat faithful to the original design of the 60's (if not a little more bulky) and was the last Aston Martin design to incorporate a traditional style before changing to the style laid down by the DB7 in 1993.
However, the Vantage did find its way into movie fame as the first Aston Martin used in a James Bond movie since the DBS used in On Her Majesty's Secret Service in 1969. In 1987's 'The Living Daylights' (the first film to star Timothy Dalton as 007), Bond was treated to Q-Branch's Aston Martin V8 Vantage, complete with missiles, lasers to separate pesky Lada's from their chassis, and a heads-up display to assist in warding off evildoers. It also came with a 'Winter Pack', which included skis, a rocket propulsion and spiked tyres for better grip. The car however met an unfortunate demise after getting stuck in a snowdrift, forcing Bond to activate the self-destruct, engulfing the car in a fiery explosion. But at least everyone's favourite secret agent had finally been reunited with his faithful Aston Martin once again!
There is some slight incongruity with the film though, as at the beginning of the movie, the car is a convertible Volante, yet for the rest of the movie it's a hardtop regular Vantage. This confused me somewhat, or perhaps whilst Bond had the car shipped he had a roof welded on in the meantime!
Today there are a fair number of Vantages roaming the countryside, their popular design, pedigree Bond Car status and sheer raw power keeping them truly afloat. In fact, these cars are much more prominent than the Virage that replaced it, of which you barely see any!
Slowing for a stop at Lichfield Trent Valley with the evening 1S87 London Euston to Glasgow Central stopping service is Virgin Trains Class 390, 390123.
Since their introduction in 2002, the Class 390 tilting Pendolino sets have revolutionised services on the West Coast Mainline, bringing about an entirely new level of speed onto a route notorious for its laboriously winding route. But with such a technological leap, the Class 390 has sadly paid the price for its image due to what it was replacing.
The idea of a tilting train on the West Coast Mainline was however not a new one to Alstom when they developed the Pendolino sets in the late 1990's, with the concept being toyed way back in the early 1970's. British Rail first pioneered the concept of the tilting train with the ill-fated Advanced Passenger Train or APT of the mid-1970's. The idea was to create a train that could shift its centre of gravity whilst moving around sharp bends at high speeds, similar to how a motorcyclist leans into corners. This was to not only allow the train to travel at higher speeds on winding track without fear of it falling over, but also to improve passenger comfort levels and stop people being pressed against the windows when taking corners!
The original APT was a Gas-Turbine unit that operated on the Midland Region out of London St Pancras, and was later followed by the Class 370 electric multiple unit that began trials on the West Coast Mainline from 1980. A truly brilliant concept, the APT showed the world that the idea of a tilting train could be possible, that is, when it worked. The Class 370 was marred by teething problems and reliability issues, mostly consisting of the fact that the tilting mechanism wouldn't work properly or there would be just general train faults. Coupled with the winter of 1981, the worst winter for many years, and the train's image was damaged beyond repair. Even while developments were looking promising, and with only a few million Pounds required to complete the project, the British Government pulled the plug and the APT was axed in 1986, with only one complete set remaining as a rather sorry museum piece. The train of the future had become a thing of the past.
But the developments of the APT were picked up by none-other than Fiat Ferroviaria, who, following the failure of their British rival, developed their own and much more successful tilting train, the ETR-401 Pendolino, which began operations in 1988. This was later translated into a fleet of 15 ETR 450 production units which became the first revenue earning tilting trains.
In 2000, Fiat Ferroviaria was acquired by Alstom, who has been building their legendary tilting trains ever since. This coincided with the formation of Virgin Trains following privatisation of British Rail in 1994. As part of Virgin Trains' franchise requirements in 1997, the company intended the replacement of the ageing BR stock of the 1960's with a new fleet of high speed trains that would reduce journey times and up travel quality. As such, Virgin turned to Fiat Ferroviaria and later successor Alstom to provide them with a derivative version of the company's latest tilting Pendolino, the ETR 460.
Fiat Ferroviaria supplied much of the content of the Class 390 units, including the bodyshell and the bogies, while final assembly was carried out at Washwood Heath. The tilting technology was developed by SIG Switzerland (later Fiat-SIG, today Alstom). Two electromechanical actuators are used per car to achieve the desired tilting angle on curved stretches of track. The train can tilt to a maximum of eight degrees, at which point one side of the cabin train is 380 mm higher above the track than the other. In contrast to other Fiat Ferroviaria tilting trains which use hydraulic tilting actuators, the electromechanical systems offers lower maintenance cost and higher efficiency.
The new trains were intended to run at 140mph, but the West Coast Main Line modernisation programme, which was an upgrade to the infrastructure to allow faster line speeds, ran over budget. Consequently, plans were scaled back, and in a manner reminiscent of the introduction of the InterCity 225, the lack of signalling upgrades resulted in the maximum line speed being restricted to 125mph. Although this (and 140mph) are well below BR's hopes for APT of 155mph, it does match the maximum speed of 125mph for the APT in passenger service (although one APT set reached 162mph in testing).
The fleet was introduced into passenger services from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly on 23rd July, 2002, to coincide with the opening of the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester. Over the next few months they took over the Manchester services, and were soon introduced on routes from London to Liverpool Lime Street, Birmingham New Street, Wolverhampton and Preston.
With the start of Class 390 operations, the writing was very much on the wall for the ageing sets of trains it was replacing, and thus the Class 390's image began to be somewhat tarnished amongst the railway purists. First to go were the Class 86's of the 1960's, proud high-speed locomotives that were once the mainstay of the WCML, withdrawn from service in 2003 following both the introduction of the Class 390's, and the Class 220/221 Voyager units on Cross-Country services. Next were the newer Class 90's of 1989, replaced in 2004 once Class 390's had been allocated to routes north of Preston. The final locomotive hauled trains were provided by the Class 87's of the 1970's, which held strong until final replacement in 2005, bringing an end to locomotive hauled services on the West Coast Mainline. From then on, the Class 86's have mostly been scrapped, whilst Class 90's were transferred to Anglia to replace their Class 86 fleet. Class 87's on the other hand have since been exported largely to Bulgaria, the few remaining here in the UK either being scrapped, placed in storage, or made into museum pieces. This left a great deal of animosity towards the Class 390's by the railway enthusiast community, who, even after 10 years, still have a strong hatred towards these trains.
The service improvements however are something that can't be taken away from the Class 390's as these trains have taken the original and comparatively sluggish 110mph top speed and translated it into the extremely fast 125mph running speed that BR had dreamt of for years. In September 2006, the Pendolino set a new speed record, completing the 401 mile length of the West Coast Main Line from Glasgow Central to London Euston in 3 hours, 55 minutes, beating the 4-hour-14-minute record for the southbound run previously set in 1981 by the Class 370 APT. The APT however retains the ultimate speed record for this route, having completed the northbound journey between London Euston and Glasgow Central in 3 hours 52 minutes in 1984 which included a 5-minute delay due to a signal fault.
Since then the Pendolino has become very much a staple of high speed train travel in the UK, and still looks good even 15 years after the first ones hit the test tracks back in 2001.
The Class 390 was put to the test however with 390033 'City of Glasgow', which was written off after the Grayrigg derailment of February 23rd, 2007. The accident had been caused by a points malfunction, which, after a failure to inspect by Network Rail, changed the direction of travel from normal and thus resulted in the entire set derailing and plummeting down an embankment at 95mph. The sturdy design and robust nature of the Class 390 has been attributed to the fact that only one person, an elderly lady, was killed in the disaster, whereas if the previous MkII carriages had been involved, the death-toll could have been much higher. As said, the unit was written off, and the less damaged rear carriages of the set now reside at the Crewe Training Centre and are used for the instruction of drivers and train crew. The subsequent destruction of one of the units led to Virgin Trains reinstating a loco-hauled service to cover its diagrams, this being in the form of a hired Class 90 (usually from Freightliner), a set of 9 MkIII coaches, and a Driving Van Trailer. This train operated covering diagrams until November 2014, when it was retired and transferred to Greater Anglia.
Since 2007 the Class 390's have had their fleet enhanced from the original 53 sets to 57 with the addition of 4 new units between 2011 and 2012. The introduction of these new sets coincided with the extension of 31 sets to 11-cars, with new carriages built and imported from Alstom's factory in Italy, the first routine 11-car InterCity train to operate in the UK since the 1970's.
Today the Class 390's continue to ply their merry trade, and remain vital parts of the UK's high speed network, bringing Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool and London closer together than they've ever been before.
Ford Lotus Cortina Mk.1 (1963-66) Engine 1558cc S4 DOC Production 4012
Registration Number KPU 396 C
FORD UK SET
www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623665118181...
The history of the Cortina Lotus began in 1961. Colin Chapman had been wishing to build his own engines for Lotus, mainly because the Coventry Climax unit was so expensive. Colin Chapman's chance came when he commissioned Harry Mundy (a close friend and designer of the Coventry Climax engine and technical editor for Autocar) to design a twin-cam version of the Ford Kent engine. Most of the development of the engine was done on the 997cc and 1,340cc bottom end, but in 1962 Ford released the 116E five bearing 1,499 cc engine and work centred on this. Keith Duckworth, from Cosworth, played an important part in tuning of the engine The engine's first appearance was in 1962 at the Nürburgring in a Lotus 23 driven by Jim Clark. Almost as soon as the engine appeared in production cars (Lotus Elan), it was replaced with a larger capacity unit of 1557cc
Whilst the engine was being developed, Walter Hayes (Ford) asked Colin Chapman if he would fit the engine to 1,000 Ford saloons for Group 2 homologation. The Type 28 or Lotus Cortina or Cortina Lotus (as Ford liked to call it) was duly launched. Ford supplied the 2-door Cortina bodyshells and took care of all the marketing and selling of the cars, whilst Lotus did all the mechanical and cosmetic changes. The major changes involved installing the 1,557 cc engine together with an Elan close ratio gearbox, he rear suspension was drastically altered and lightweight alloy panels were used for doors, bonnet and boot. Lightweight casings were fitted to gearbox and differential. All the Lotus factory cars were painted white with a green stripe (although Ford built some for racing in red, and one customer had a dark blue stripe due to being superstitious about green). The cars also received front quarter bumpers and round Lotus badges were fitted to rear wings and to the right side of the radiator grille.
Initially, the engines were built by J. A Prestwich of Tottenham and then Villiers of Wolverhampton. In 1966, Lotus moved to Hethel in Norwich where they had their own engine building facilities
To homologate the car for Group 2, 1000 were required to be built in 1963, and the car was duly homologated in September 1963. In the same month, in the car's first outing, in the Oulton Park Gold Cup, the car finished 3rd and 4th behind two Ford Galaxies, but beat the 3.8-litre Jaguars which had been dominant in saloon car racing for so long. Soon Ford were running cars in Britain, Europe, and the USA, with Team Lotus running cars in Britain for Ford, and Alan Mann Racing running cars in Europe, also on behalf of Ford. The Cortina Lotus was able to beat almost anything except the 7-litre V8 Ford Galaxies, and later, Ford Mustangs.
A big thankyou for 20.9 million views
Shot 18:03:2014 at the BTCC launch Donington Park, Leicestershire Ref: 99-019
Another day, another E-Type, and this example is one of what many consider the better cars, being the stylish and flamboyant Series I fitted with the powerful and reliable 4.2L Straight Six engine!
One of the most revolutionary cars in all of motoring history, a car that has often been declared as the Space Shuttle in the Middle Ages! Beauty, style and performance all harnessed in one simple bodyshell. It can't be anything other than the Jaguar E-Type!
When it was launched in 1961, Britain was still very much an antiquated Victorian country, and transport was not much better. Steam Trains still had another 7 years to go and the most you could get out of the Motor Industry were flaky BMC products such as the humble Austin Cambridge and the Morris Minor. Unbeknownst to this very slow moving world of modesty, the entire picture was about to be turned on its head. In music, the Beatles rocked their way into everlasting legacy, the De Havilland Comet brought nations closer together, and Jaguar launched the E-Type, a car that set the motoring world ablaze!
Designed by Malcolm Sayer and powered by a 3.8L Straight Six engine, the Jaguar E-Type could now whisk people to 150mph, and with there being no speed limits back then, that was not too much of a stretch to imagine. You just had to look at it to see nothing but speed, everything about it was designed to go as fast as possible!
In spirit, the E-Type can trace its roots back to the race ready D-Type, also designed by Malcolm Sayer and notable for raking home victory after victory at Le Mans, being credited with being one of the most advanced sports cars of all time. A limited edition road going version, the XKSS, made the idea of a D-Type on the public highway possible, and parts developed in this often forgotten little gem helped to culminate in the final and superb E-Type.
On March 16th 1961, the E-Type was released upon the unsuspecting public at the Geneva Motor Show to an absolute roar of applause and acclaim. It made the front page of pretty much every newspaper in Europe, and orders absolutely rolled in by the thousand! The thing that made the E-Type so desirable was the fact that it was fun on a budget, a high performance 150mph capable machine for an affordable price of just £2,000, the equivalent of about £40,000 today. Now you may think that's a lot of money, but when you consider that a car of comparable beauty and performance was double that price, you'd know it was something truly special.
However, this proved to be a problem for the comparatively small company, who simply couldn't turn out the cars fast enough to supply the demand. Millions and Millions of Pounds worth of orders were being placed, with some owners even going so far as to place deposits at 10 to 15 Jaguar dealers hoping that one of them could give them a car! The biggest problem was trying to supply differing markets, especially if you were British because in order to appease the desperate American buyers, cars would be built in LHD for 6 month periods at a time, which meant if you were someone wishing to buy a car here in the UK, you'd be stuck for the best part of a year!
But it was obvious why, these cars were unrealistically fast! Tap the pedal and you'd be at 60mph in 7.1 seconds, press it further and you'd be over 100, and if you pressed it further, the bonnet would rise and with blood gushing from your eyes and every fibre of your body telling you to stop, you'd be hitting 150mph! That doesn't sound like much today considering the Aston Martins and Ferrari's we're so used to, but in 1961 this was absolutely unheard of.
Not that your E-Type would ever make 150mph because Jaguar had been a tad naughty. As it turns out the initial test cars that had been leant to the Press had been tuned to reach that golden 150, but the rest of the flock would barely go that fast. This was further compounded by a troublesome gearbox, hopeless brakes, cramped interior and uncomfortable seats. Jaguar's con had only been done to bless their car with the initial fame that would sell the production models, but in 1965 Jaguar chose to redress the issue by fitting the car with a much larger and much better 4.2L Straight Six engine.
But once the novelty had worn off the E-Type was starting to become maligned. Much like owning a topping Rolls Royce, seeing one being driven in the street opened the wounds of jealousy that continued to divide the social classes, and if you were very lucky you'd only get away with a disapproving look or a nasty name, if you weren't expect a brick, a can of paint or a rock to be hurtled in your direction! At the same time because so many cars had been built, the Second Hand market became saturated which meant that people could pick up early ones for a song, which removed the exclusivity that these vehicles had once commanded. Again, much like a Rolls Royce these owners only saw them as ways to get women to take off their clothes for you, and thus didn't exactly give them the love that such cars required.
However, this was before we got to the biggest problem of them all, America.
Actually I take it back, America can't be blamed for everything, in fact the stringent safety legislation and rules on car manufacturing can be credited to the increased safety of modern motor vehicles, the people to be blamed though are in fact the car manufacturers themselves for not being able to incorporate the compulsory safety features whilst still keeping the car stylish.
But still, throughout the 1960's the death of James Dean had resulted in a gradual increase in safety legislation on US Highways, and in order to have a market there, cars had to conform. The height of the headlights, the bumpers, the smoke emissions, the recess of the switches, all of these things were scrutinised and had to be taken into account by car builders. The E-Type became a shameful victim as its looks were compromised with changes to the lights, and body profile. To be honest the Series II was not that bad a car, still retaining much of its charm, especially when you compare it to 1971's Series III which was formulated by British Leyland. With the cabin looking like it had sunk, the lights being stretched and contorted, and sporting a massive 5.3L V12 engine. By this point many of the cars former buyers saw the E-Type as damaged beyond repair and thus sales began to tumble. British Leyland however had been planning to replace the car since the late 1960's, and after much deliberation its replacement, the Jaguar XJS, was launched in 1975, bringing an end to the increasingly hard to sell E-Type. Although very well performing, in terms of looks, the XJS was considered by many classic Jag fans to be absolute heresy, but would go on to have a much longer life that the E-Type, being built until 1996.
However, even before the last E-Type left the production line the originals were already being hailed as classical heroes. In total well over 70,000 of these cars had been sold, and a large number of them remain on the roads. During the late 70's and 80's the car continued to be a major pin-up, often ending up rather oddly, and to my mind a bit shamefully, in erotic films and porn movies (I sure hope they washed thoroughly afterwards). But when you look at the E-Type you can understand why, it is a seriously sexy looking car!
So iconic and so stylish were these cars that over the years many different replica models have also been made. Throughout the 1990's the company Eagle GB built the Eagle E-Type, brand new cars built to exactly the same specifications as the original Series I versions, whilst in 2011 the Eagle Speedster was produced, revising the bodyshape but attempting to maintain the charm of the original, and in 2014 several remaining chassis from the original production run that had been kept in storage are intended to be built into fully functioning cars.
The E-Type may have died a long time ago, but its reputation isn't letting up! :D
Driving cab of one of TransPennine Express Nova 1 or Class 802 five car bimode trains. The train was seen at Edinburgh Waverley after a test run prior to their regular introduction on Edinburgh-Liverpool services via Newcastle, York, Leeds and Manchester, from 15 Dec 2019. The Hitachi built trains had their bodyshells fabricated at Kasado (Japan) and the trains were assembled at Pistoia (Italy). Nineteen of these trains were ordered for TransPennine Express.
Ref. 26-1611.
Audi 80 GL (1972-1976).
Escala 1/43.
Testauftrag >S<.
Schuco.
Made in Germany.
Production year: 1976.
"Schuco no. 26-1611 Test order S, from the 1976 series "For test drivers". Apart from actuality, what was special about these modellautos, that they could be divided into about 15 to 20 individual parts and thus the slogan test assignment got a special significance! (...)"
Source: www.autostadt.de/de/eshops/audi-80-gl.html
(original text in german language)
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AUDI 80 (B1)
"The Audi 80 was developed by Ludwig Kraus and was presented in 1972.
It quickly became the bestseller in the lower middle class.
With a facelift in September 1976, the style of the Audi 80 was aligned towards that of the Audi 100, which had just been launched.
The Audi 80 GL was the top model in the series. Front-wheel drive, negative steering scrub radius and diagonal brake circuit distribution provided for driving safety even in adverse conditions."
Engine: 4-cylinder inline engine
Displacement: 1,297 cc to 1,588 cc
Power: from 55 hp at 5,500 rpm to 110 hp at 6,000 rpm
Series: 07/1972-09/1978
Production: 932,403 cars (without US models)
Source:
www.audi-me.com/me/brand/en/company/audi_history/Evolutio...
www.audi-me.com/me/brand/en/company/audi_history/Evolutio...
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Audi 80 (B1) (1972-1978)
"This model debuted in Europe in 1972 as the Audi 80, and in 1973 in Australia and North America (Canada and the USA) as the Audi Fox, and was available as either a two-door or a four-door saloon (sedan).
It effectively took the place of several models that Audi had discontinued (the F103 series, which included the first model designated as an "Audi 80"), and provided the company with a viable rival to the Opel Ascona and the Ford Taunus (Ford Cortina in the UK), as well as more upmarket offerings including the Alfa Romeo Alfetta and Triumph Dolomite."
"The Audi 80 B1 was only the second modern-era Audi product to be developed entirely under Volkswagen ownership - Audi chief engineer Ludwig Kraus had famously been disparaging about the outgoing F103 series, referring to it as the "bastard", owing to its Auto Union/DKW bodyshell and Mercedes-Benz engine.
The B1 was a clean break from the Auto Union era, being equipped with.a range of brand new 1.3- and 1.5-litre SOHC inline-four petrol engines - the first appearance of the now legendary EA827 series of engines, whose descendants are still used in VW Group vehicles to the present day."
(...)
"On the home market, two- and four- door saloons were available in base trim (55 or 60 PS, called simply Audi 80 and 80 S, respectively), as L models (LS with 75 PS engine) or as a more luxurious GL (85 PS only).
In September 1973, Audi added the sporty 80 GT (two-door only) featuring a carburettor 1.6 litre engine (code: XX) rated at 100 PS (74 kW; 99 bhp)."
(...)
"Audi's design and development efforts paid off during the 1973 European Car of the Year competition where the 80 won ahead of the Renault 5 and the Alfa Romeo Alfetta.
A facelift in autumn 1976 brought about a revised front end in the style of the newly introduced Audi 100 C2 with square instead of round headlights, 1.6- instead of 1.5 litre engines (still of 75/85 PS) and a new 80 GTE model with a fuel-injected version of the 1.6-litre (110 PS (81 kW; 108 bhp)) replacing the former 80 GT."
(...)
"The B1 platform was dropped from the European market in 1978, although it was sold into the 1979 model year in North America."
(...)
---------------------------
Audi 80 B1 (80/82)
Also called
Audi Fox
Production
1972–1978
1,103,766 built
Body style
2/4-door sedan
5-door wagon
Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Platform
Volkswagen Group B1 platform
Engine
1.3 L I4
1.5 L I4
1.6 L I4
Transmission
4-speed manual
3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase
2,470 mm (97.2 in)
Length
4,175 mm (164.4 in)
Width
1,600 mm (63.0 in)
Height
1,362 mm (53.6 in)
Chronology
Predecessor
Audi 72
Successor
Audi 80 (B2)
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audi_80
More info:
Fiat Abarth 1000 Bialbero, Solido #124 by Solijouets, France September 1962. I bought a scrapped model in 2009 and restored it: Primed with FHG 7255-0400-9020, then painted with Dupli Color VW/Audi silver metallic (I p7Y - 347016) and provided with decals from the reserve box. The box is a reproduction.
A white version of this model is now re-released by Club Solido / Z Models Distribution.
The Abarth cars> They were probably the most successful vehicles on the race tracks of their time. The cars of the Carlo Abarth had to be beaten in the small classes and this rarely enough succeeded. Beside the touring cars, which leaned in technology and appearance against the Fiat 500 D and 600 D, it was particularly also the Granturismo sports cars developed after own conceptions, to which Carlo Abarth owed a substantial part of his victory cups.
They were expensive with prices at the level of luxury limousines, but above all light and fast, the sports cars from Abarth. And they existed in a confusing variety (see also the table at the end of this article). Most show the handwriting of the bodywork company Zagato, which manufactured then also an important part of the vehicles.
In 1956 the Abarth coupe was presented on the Paris salon, equipped with a descendant of the Fiat 600 engine brought on 747 cm3 and with 47 HP nevertheless 150 km/h fast.
The success on the racetracks and in sales was so great that Zagato's production capacities were soon no longer sufficient and the production of the bodyshells was transferred to Carozzeria Corna. Only the final assembly remained with Zagato for the time being, but then finally went over to Abarth itself.
The form developed in that time continuously further, Abarth engineer Mario Colucci contributed here a weighty portion and the cars became more elegant and aerodynamic.
Ugo Zagato, however, received recognition for his design signature in 1960 with the "Compasso d'Oro".
The engines became more and more sophisticated and grew in displacement and performance. An important step was taken with the double camshaft cylinder head, which made it possible to produce 61 hp from 747 cm3 at 7,000 revolutions. Other versions of the engine called the Bialbero played on the piano of racing formulas and had 703, but also 847 cm3.
But the big breakthrough came with the 982 cm3 version of the Fiat 600 engine (767 cm3) that appeared in 1960. 91/93 bhp at 7,000 rpm was enough to take the small record-breaking Monza coupe to an incredible 210 km/h and more. The Abarth racer completed the kilometre with a standing start in 28 to 30 seconds, depending on the driver. In Monza the Abarth 1000 circled the circuit faster than a Porsche Carrera!
Until 1964 the power output was steadily increased, until finally more than 100 HP resulted as a yield. Also the shape followed the dictates of aerodynamics and became smoother and more elongated. And more and more the pilots preferred to transport the Abarth by trailer instead of on its own axle to the race track, because with racing clutch and comfort minimalism the cars were less and less suitable for everyday traffic.
But for people without racing ambitions there were also road offshoots, for example the monomille versions, which did without a camshaft, but were nevertheless equipped with the pretty sheet metal dress of the racing versions.
On the race tracks, however, the Abarth Coupés were practically unbeatable in their class and in many races it was even enough for overall victory. The Abarth were not only on the circuit, but also on the mountain, in slalom and at road rallies
successful.
[From www.zwischengas.com/de/HR/rennwagenberichte/Fiat-Abarth-1...]
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
Bonhams : the Zoute Sale
Sold for € 195.500
Zoute Grand Prix 2017
Knokke - Zoute
België - Belgium
October 2017
'The new engine turned out to have enormous marketing power. It became a real status symbol to have that little word 'turbo' on your rear deck, and this fashion spread right across the motor industry.' - Peter Morgan, 'Original Porsche 911'.
A 'modern classic' if ever there was one, Porsche's long-running 911 sports car first appeared at the 1963 Frankfurt Show as the '901' but shortly after production proper commenced in 1964 had become the '911' following Peugeot's complaints about the use of '0' model numbers. The preceding Type 356's rear-engined layout was retained but the 911 switched to unitary construction for the bodyshell and dropped the 356's VW-based suspension in favour of a more modern McPherson strut and trailing arm arrangement. In its first incarnation, Porsche's single-overhead-camshaft, air-cooled flat six engine displaced 1,991cc and produced 130bhp; progressively enlarged and developed, it would eventually grow to more than 3,0 litres and, in turbo-charged form, put out well over 300 horsepower.
Much of the Porsche 911's development had resulted from the factory's racing programme, and it was the then Group 4 homologation rules, which required 400 road cars to be built, which spurred the development of 'Project 930': the legendary 911 Turbo. In production from April 1975, the Type 930 Turbo married a KKK turbocharger to the 3,0-litre RSR engine, in road trim a combination that delivered 260bhp for a top speed of 250km/h. But the Turbo wasn't just about top speed, it was also the best-equipped 911 and amazingly flexible - hence only four speeds in the gearbox - being capable of racing from a standstill to 162 km/h in 14 seconds.
The Turbo's characteristic flared wheelarches and 'tea tray' rear spoiler had already been seen on the Carrera model while the interior was the most luxurious yet seen in a 911, featuring leather upholstery, air conditioning and electric windows. The Turbo's engine was enlarged to 3,3 litres for 1978, gaining an inter-cooler in the process; power increased to 300 bhp and the top speed of what was the fastest-accelerating road car of its day went up to 257 km/h. Originally sold only as a closed coupé, the Turbo became available for the first time in both Targa and cabriolet forms in 1988.
More refined than hitherto yet retaining its high performance edge, the Turbo sold in the thousands, becoming the definitive sports car of its age. When Porsche revealed that the original 911 would be replaced by the new Type 964 in 1990, dealer stocks of the existing Turbo model sold out overnight. Production of the Type 930 ceased in September 1989, and there would not be another 911 Turbo until the Type 964 version was launched in September 1990. In total between 1975 and 1977 only 1.625 EU-examples of the 3.0 litre Turbo were built which makes this series almost as rare as the 911 2.7 Carrera RS with 1590 examples built.
This Type 930 Turbo was built for the German market and delivered to Porsche dealer Otto Glocker in Frankfurt where it was purchased by its first (Belgian) owner, Mme Padevain-Dupont in 1976. Incidentally, 'Dupont' was her husband's name, and - apparently - at that time a wife needed her husband's authorisation to buy a car! Madame Padevain was born in 1911 so she was already 65 years old when she bought the 911. The car was taken straight to Belgium and has belonged to the first owner's family ever since. The accompanying Porsche Certificate of Authenticity confirms that the engine and colour scheme of Sienna Metallic over 'Brown-Beige' leather are matching. Moreover, it lists the purchase price of 66.500 DM.
Always well looked after by its lady owner, the car was taken to Monaco in 1993 by Madame Padevain and registered there as 'L106', which we can still find on the windscreen. The history file contains a map of Cannes and a parking card from Monaco where the Porsche was kept for many years by Madame Padevain's family.
Sadly, in 2000 Madame Padevain died and the car's ownership passed to her son; documentation on file shows that the Porsche had 122.000 km recorded at that time. While in Madame Padevain's son's possession, the car was treated to a complete overhaul, which was carried out by D'Ieteren Porsche in Belgium. At the same time the 911 was repainted in its original colour and the interior re-trimmed. The restoration was carried out between 2000 and 2009; expenditure on mechanical work alone amounted to over 600.000 Belgian Francs (all invoices on file).
Once the restoration had been finished, the son, who by this time was approaching old age, hardly drove the car. It was then registered in his name and taken back to the South of France where it stayed until last year. Today, this beautiful car is presented in its original specification and in unmolested condition - the latter a rare attribute among early 911 Turbos - with only some 148.000 km recorded on the odometer. The last service was carried out in September 2017. The car is offered with an extensive history file containing the aforementioned restoration invoices including all invoices since 1976 up to now; Porsche Certificate of Authenticity and Certificate of Conformity; and the original service booklet, the latter stamped on six occasions between 1976 (1.319 km) and 1994 (98.417km). All books and tools come with this exceptional Type 930 Turbo, together with the original Porsche pouch and the 2 original keys.
Coachwork by Henri Chapron
Just as it had done 21 years previously with the revolutionary 'Traction Avant', Citroën stunned the world again in 1955 with the launch of the strikingly styled 'DS'. Beneath the shark-like newcomer's aerodynamically efficient, low-drag bodyshell there was all-independent, self-levelling, hydro-pneumatic suspension; plus power-operated brakes, clutch and steering.
The project had been initiated in the 1930s by the company's managing director, Pierre-Jules Boulanger, and would be brought to fruition by designers Andre Lefebvre, previously with Voisin and Renault, and Flaminio Bertoni, who had worked on the styling of the pre-war Traction Avant. Part of Boulanger's brief had been that the proposed 'VGD' (Voiture de Grand Diffusion or Mass Market Car) should be capable of affording a comfortable ride over sub-standard rural roads while remaining stable at sustained high speeds on the Autoroutes. The solution to these seemingly incompatible requirements was the famous hydro-pneumatic suspension, suggested by Citroën engineer, Paul Mages. No European car would match the DS's ride quality for several years, the fundamental soundness of Citroën's ahead-of-its-time hydro-pneumatic suspension being demonstrated by its survival into the 21st Century.
In September 1965 the DS's original 1.911 cc, overhead-valve, long-stroke engine – inherited from the Traction Avant - was replaced by a short-stroke 1.985 cc unit, also available in 2.175 cc and 2.347 cc versions, while other DS developments included swivelling headlights, fuel injection and a five-speed gearbox. Other models offered alongside the original DS were the ID (a simplified, cheaper version), the cavernous Safari estate and the two-door Décapotable (convertible), the latter boasting coachwork by Henri Chapron. Chapron's first convertibles had been produced independently of Citroën but the factory eventually gave the project its blessing. Citroën's own Décapotables were built on the longer, stronger chassis of the ID Break (Estate). In total, 1.365 usine (factory) convertibles were made with either the DS19 or DS21 engine between 1960 and 1971, while Chapron built a further 389 of his own, the last in 1973.
Recorded in the Registro Italiano Storiche Citroën (RIASC), chassis number '440 70 56', the car offered here, comes with an email printout from Chapron confirming that the company's archives contain details of its construction as a convertible. Restored circa 2008 while in the hands of its previous owner, the car was inspected (prior to the current vendor's purchase) by the highly respected specialist, Fabrizio Libera of Polverara, Italy. The car has had two owners (in Italy) since 2002, and their details and those of previous owners may be found in the accompanying history file. Described by the vendor as in generally very good condition, this magnificent and rare piece of French motoring history car received a 3rd place award at the Valli Biellesi - Oasi Zegna concours d'élégance in 2016. An eye-catcher at any gathering, it comes with Italian registration papers, ASI and FIVA documents, Citroën Italia certificate, and the aforementioned communication from Chapron.
Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais
Bonhams
Sold for € 207.000
Estimated : € 170.000 - 210.000
Parijs - Paris
Frankrijk - France
February 2017
I have to confess to not being a great fan of the Class 56, which visually has always struck me as a poor relation of the Class 47, although in reality the 3,250hp freight locomotive was the first 'second generation' UK diesel type. For expediency, the bodyshell was actually based on the Class 47 but with some clumsy front-end details. 135 examples were built between 1976 and 1983. The initial contract was awarded to Brush Traction who, because of insufficient capacity at its Loughborough works, subcontracted the work to Electroputere in Romania. Dissatisfied with the Romania product, British Rail brought the work in house after the first thirty examples. The remainder were built at BREL Doncaster and Crewe. In service they proved to be strong and capable locomotives but maintenance costs were high and, notwithstanding significant investment in the early 1990s, they could not compete with the more modern Class 66 in terms of availability and maintenance costs. Most had gone by 2004, although a few were surprisingly re-instated for infrastructure work in France. The base image for this fictional rendition in Class 47-style two-tone green was taken by David Little in March 2008 - see the DB-Schenker version for more details (01-Aug-10).
STRICTLY COPYRIGHT: You may download a copy for your personal use, but it would be an offence to remove the coyright information or post elsewhere without the express permission of the copyright owner
Coachwork by Henri Chapron
Chassis n° 4609606
Bonhams : the Zoute Sale
Estimated : € 190.000 - 220.000
Sold for € 207.000
Zoute Grand Prix 2019
Knokke - Zoute
België - Belgium
October 2019
Just as it had done 21 years previously with the revolutionary Traction Avant, Citroën stunned the world again in 1955 with the launch of the strikingly styled 'DS'. Beneath the shark-like newcomer's aerodynamically efficient, low-drag bodyshell there was all-independent, self-levelling, hydro-pneumatic suspension plus power-operated brakes, clutch, and steering.
The project had been initiated in the 1930s by the company's managing director, Pierre-Jules Boulanger, and would be brought to fruition by designers Andre Lefebvre, previously with Voisin and Renault, and Flaminio Bertoni, who had worked on the styling of the pre-war Traction Avant. Part of Boulanger's brief had been that the proposed 'VGD' (Voiture de Grand Diffusion or Mass Market Car) should be capable of affording a comfortable ride over sub-standard rural roads while remaining stable at sustained high speeds on the Autoroutes. The solution to these seemingly incompatible requirements was the famous hydro-pneumatic suspension, suggested by Citroën engineer Paul Mages. No European car would match the DS's ride quality for several years, the fundamental soundness of Citroën's ahead-of-its-time hydro-pneumatic suspension being demonstrated by its survival until recently in top-of-the-range models.
In September 1965 the DS's original 1,911cc, overhead-valve, long-stroke engine – inherited from the Traction Avant - was replaced by a short-stroke 1,985cc unit, also available in 2,175cc and 2,347cc versions, while other DS developments included swivelling headlights, fuel injection and a five-speed gearbox. Other models offered alongside the original DS were the ID (a simplified, cheaper version), the cavernous Safari estate and the two-door Décapotable (convertible), the latter boasting coachwork by Henri Chapron. Chapron's first convertibles had been produced independently of Citroën but the factory eventually gave the project its blessing. Built by Chapron, Citroën's own Décapotables were erected on the longer, stronger chassis of the ID Break (Estate). In total, 1,365 usine (factory) convertibles were made with either the DS19 or DS21 engine between 1960 and 1971, while Chapron built a further 389 of his own, the last in 1973.
Built in 1967 and first registered in 1968, this matching-numbers DS 21 Décapotable has the most desirable hydraulic semi-automatic gearbox and retains its original registration, '6394 UY 75'. We're advised by the vendor that this DS remained with the first owner until 1988 when it was sold to a Parisian professor of psychology, Mr Ike Benzakein. This car has belonged to only two families since it left the factory.
In 1990, Mr Benzakein commenced a restoration to the highest standard; the chassis, body, engine, transmission, hydraulics, interior, and convertible hood all being restored to 'as new' condition, while the car was repainted in Bleu Antartique, a colour that was available in 1967. Today, this DS remains in outstanding condition; fastidiously maintained, it runs and drives superbly. Restoration bills are on file and the car also comes with its original plates and a French Carte Grise. An eye-catcher at any gathering, this magnificent and rare piece of French motoring history is 'on the button' and ready to be enjoyed.
Lotus Elite Type 75 (1974-80) Engine 1973cc S4 DOC Production 2398
Registration Number MPC 109 P (Guildford)
LOTUS SET
www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623671671113...
First of the new generation cars from Lotus, still built around a backbone frame but now with a 98 inch wheelbase. Glass fibre body with concealed headlights and large glass hatch back.
The Elite type 75 was a larger and more upmarket car than its forbearers, intended to move the company away from its kit car past. and a replacement for the ageing Lotus Elan Plus 2. The Elite was configured as a small shooting brake with a glass rear hatch opening into the luggage compartment. It was front-engined with rear wheel drive. The Elite's fibreglass bodyshell was mounted on a steel backbone chassis evolved from the Elan and Europa. It had 4-wheel independent suspension using coil springs. The Elite was Lotus' first car to use the 907 aluminium-block 4-valve, DOHC, four-cylinder engine of 1973cc which had previously been used in the Jensen Healey. The Elite had a claimed drag co-efficient of 0.30 and at the time of launch it was the world's most expensive four-cylinder car. The Elite's striking shape was designed by Oliver Winterbottom. He is quoted as saying that the basic chassis and suspension layout were designed by Colin Chapman, making the Elite and its sister design the Eclat the last Lotus road cars to have significant design input from Chapman himself. The Elite went on to be the base for the Eclat, and the later Excel 2+2 coupés. and were available in 4 main specification variations, 501, 502, 503, and later on 504
In 1980 the Elite type 75 was replaced by the Elite Mark 2 Type 83 powered by a larger 2,174 cc (132.7 cu in) Lotus 912 engine. and continued until 1982
Many thanks for a fantabulous 44,108,324 views
Shot at the Silverstone Classic 14-15 July 2015- Ref 109-568
56086 is stabled at Shirebrook on a Saturday afternoon, 20th June 1981.
Locomotive History
56086 was built at Doncaster works and entered traffic in December 1980. After eighteen years service it was stored in August 1999 at Immingham where it would spend the next eight years until it was sold for preservation in 2008 and moved to the Battlefield Line at Shackerstone where it was returned to traffic. However in July 2012, Europhoenix purchased 56086 from the Battlefield Line for use in Hungary but decided to strip the locomotive for spares instead and the bodyshell was broken up by EMR, Kingsbury in March 2013.
Collection Freddy Deklerck
Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais
Bonhams
Parijs - Paris
Frankrijk - France
February 2019
Estimated : € 15.000 - 20.000
Sold for € 23.000
Mercedes-Benz introduced its new medium-sized, S-Class range at the International Motor Show, Frankfurt in 1979, there being no fewer than seven models with the new W126 body style. Launched at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1985, the 560 SEC coupé was an addition to the line-up and the most powerful of the three luxury coupés then on offer. This new model retained the existing bodyshell virtually unchanged but was powered by the new 5.547cc version of the M117 all-alloy V8 engine producing 300bhp (DIN), though customers resident in the USA had to make do with a considerably less powerful version. As befitted one of Mercedes-Benz's flagships, the 560 SEC came standard with a host of desirable features while customers could choose from an equally lengthy list of options. Despite its elevated price, the 560 SEC would turn out to be the most popular of the W126 coupés.
First registered on 4th May 1988, this 560 SEC is believed to have been delivered new to France and thus is one of the rarer European-specification 300 horsepower models. Accompanying documentation includes with the Étoile booklet from Mercedes-Benz France giving six months warranty on a used vehicle and recording that this car had recorded only 32.000 kilometres in September 1990 when it was sold by Mercedes-Benz International Garage SA. Bought by the current owner to form part of his collection in 2007, this beautiful modern Mercedes is offered with French Carte Grise.
1967 Daimler Sovereign 4.2
Lot 1 (Kempton Park Racecourse, 18th October 2006)
Sold for £5,738
(including buyers premium)
Lot details
Registration No: PGV102E
Chassis No: 1A32348DN
Mot Expiry: April 2007
Introduced in 1966, the Daimler Sovereign was a more luxurious version of the contemporaneous Jaguar 420. Differentiated from its badge-engineered sibling by means of a different grille and better standard equipment, it otherwise shared the same four-door monocoque bodyshell equipped with all-round independent coil-sprung suspension, disc brakes and a detuned version (245bhp vs. 265bhp) of the Jaguar MKX's 4235cc DOHC straight-six engine. In many ways a testbed for the forthcoming Jaguar XJ6's styling and mechanical layout, the Daimler Sovereign remained in production until 1969 by which time some 5,829 are thought to have been made. Among the rarest of the Browns Lane designed Daimlers, the Sovereign is a highly underrated motorcar.
Finished in British Racing Green with suede green leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "very good" overall condition. Reportedly "a very rare manual (overdrive) matching numbers original colour car with Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate", 'PGV 102E' is further understood to have been begun life in the Channel Islands where it was used for "diplomatic service until returning to the UK during 1976". Apparently treated to refurbished front / rear subframes (new mountings, suspension bushes, bearings, universal joints, wheel bearings etc), an overhauled steering box, rebuilt differential, reconditioned callipers and new brake discs by its previous keeper, the Daimler has also benefited from replacement carpets / headlining and dashboard relacquering. Indeed, the car is thought to have had "some £4,000 recently spent on it". Though, we are informed that "no receipts are available as the owner purchased parts at Jaguar Spares Days and carried out the work himself". Boasting "new wire wheel hubs / spinners, tyres that have done less than 2,000 miles, power steering and a period Motorola radio (in working order)", 'PGV 102E' is said to "drive well with good oil pressure". Believed but not warranted to have covered 59,000 miles from new, this pampered Daimler is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until April 2007 and historic class (free) road tax until March 2007.
www.handh.co.uk/auction/lot/1-1967-daimler-sovereign-42/?...
Renault 5 GT Turbo (1986-91) Engine 1397cc S4 OHV
Chassis No: VF1C4050501453391
Registration Number G 817 LGH (London SW)
RENAULT SET
www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623690632985...
The second generation R5, marketed as the Renault 5 (or "Superfive"), was launched in the SuperMini category October 1984 The bodyshell and platform were completely new (the platform was based on that of the larger Renault 9 and 11), and R5 aesthetic remained; styling was by Marcello Gandini. The new body was wider and longer with 20 percent more glass area, more interior space, and a lower drag coefficient (0.35). The biggest changes were adoption of a transversely-mounted powertrain from the 9 and 11 and MacPherson strut front suspension. The five-door version arrived in May 1985.
The Renault 5 GT Turbo was introduced as a hot hatch version in Februar 1985. t used a modified four cylinder, eight-valve Cléon 1397 cc engine, a pushrod unit dating back to the 1962 original (in 1108 cc form). It was turbocharged with an air-cooled Garrett T2 turbocharger. Weighing a mere 850 kg (1,874 lb), and producing 113bhp (115 PS) permitting it to accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 7.5 seconds. To differentiate it from the standard 5, it came with blocky plastic side skirts. Turbo lag was an issue, along with poor hot starting, and was considered rather difficult to control. The same engine was used, with similar issues, in the Renault 9 and 11 Turbos. The regular 43-litre (9.5 imp gal) fuel tank was considered too small for the thirstier Turbo and so a 7-litre (1.5 imp gal) supplementary tank was installed at the rear left of the car, and the 5 GT Turbo also received an oil cooler, suspension upgrades contributed tp a lower ride height
In 1987, the facelifted Phase II was launched changes included water cooling for the Turbo extending the life of the Turbo, a new ignition system which increased the engines RPM boosting output to 118bhp 120 PS.
In late 1991 the Renault 5 GT Turbo was discontinued, superseded by the Clio 16V and the Clio Williams.
This car was offered for auction described as having a - Mechanically uprated by its previous keeper with a double capacity alloy intercooler, uprated head gasket, new turbo, high-flow race radiator and Wossner forged pistons etc
This car was offered for sale at the H and H Buxton Pavilion Gardens sale of 10th April 2019, selling for £ 6,975 inc. buyers premium
Diolch yn fawr am 69,983,824 o olygfeydd anhygoel, mwynhewch ac arhoswch yn ddiogel
Thank you 69,983,824 amazing views, enjoy and stay safe
Shot 10.04.2019 at The Pavilion Gardens, Buxton, Derbyshire Ref 138-279
Northern Trains 322481 stands in Platform 9 having just arrived with 2V17, 09:10 Ilkley – Leeds, 27th July 2016.
Unit History
In the late 1980’s British Rail built a branch off the London Liverpool Street – Cambridge Line to serve Stanstead Airport. Five new four car electric multiple units were built at York to work the new service becoming class 322. They are similar to the class 321 units and are the last units based on the Mark III bodyshell. The class worked the Stanstead services until displaced in 1997 when four units moved to North West Trains for Manchester – Euston semi-fast duties. The four units returned to East Anglia in 1999 before moving to Scotrail in 2001 for duties around Edinburgh. In 2011 the class moved to Northern Rail for duties around Leeds.
Arrived Sims Metals, Newport for breaking up on the 4th August 2022.
Austin Allegro 3 (1979-82) Engine 1275cc S4 A Series Tr. Production 642350 (all models)
Registration Number RPH 977 X
AUSTIN SET
www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623759808208...
The Austin Allegro was introduced in 1973, designed by Sir Alec Issigonis as a replacement for the popular 1100/1300 models. The Allegro used front-wheel drive, and was powered by the trusty BMC A Series engines with sump mounted transmission. The higher-specification models used the SOHC E-Series engine (from the Maxi), in 1500 cc and 1750 cc displacements. Its rounded shape bucked the trend of the more fashionable sharp edged designs of the time, that were becoming fashionable (largely led by Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro).
The Allegro was updated as the Allegro 2 and debuted at the 1975 London Motor Show as the Allegro 2 with the same bodyshell but featuring a new grille, reversing lights on most models and some interior changes to increase rear seat room. The Estate gained a new coachline running over the wing top lip and window edges. Changes were also made to the suspension, braking, engine mounts and drive shafts.
The Allegro 2 was replaced by the Allegro 3 in 1979, cosmetically refreshed with a new grille and revised Leyland badging, mechanically as before, but with the new 1 litre A Plus engine, developed for the forthcoming Metro added to the range .
Many Thanks for a fan'dabi'dozi 25,287,400 views
Shot 09:06:2014 ar The Luton Classic Car Show, Stockwell Park, Luton REF 102-249
Apart from the issue with getting the chassis fitted under the bodyshell, this one was a pleasure to put together.
Chevrolet Impala (2nd Gen) 4 door Sports Hardtop (1959-60) Engine 235 cu in (3860cc) S6 Blue Flame
Registration Number 307 XUB (First registered in the UK 2006, on an age related number first allocated to Leeds)
CHEVROLET SET
www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623638181561...
As part of a GM economy move the 1959 Chevrolet Impala was redesigned to share bodyshells with lower-end Buicks and Oldsmobiles, and Pontiacs. Using a new X-frame chassis the roof line was 3 inches lower, bodies were 2 inches wider, the wheelbase was 1-1/2 inches longer, and curb weight increased. Flattened tailfins protruded outward, rather than upward. The taillights were a large "teardrop" design at each side, and two slim-wide, nonfunctional front air intake scoops were added just above the grille,
he Impala became a separate series, adding a four-door hardtop and four-door sedan to the two-door Sport Coupe and convertible. Sport Coupes featured a shortened roof line and wrap-over back window. The standard engine was an I6, while the base V8 was the carryover 283 cu in (4.6 L), at 185 hp (138 kW). Optional were a 283 cu in with 290 hp (220 kW) and 348 cu in (5.7 L) V8 up to 335 hp (250 kW)
The second series Impala 1959-60 now available in five different body styles two and four door hardtops, a two door convertable, a four door sedan and a two door coupe. 1959 was the only model year that the Impala appeared without the trademark six tail lights instead using large teardrop style lights .
Many thanks for a fantabulous 35,804,000 views
3hot at the Enfield Pagaent N. London-25:05:2015 Ref 106-221
Coachwork by Henri Chapron
Chassis n° 4609606
Bonhams : the Zoute Sale
Estimated : € 190.000 - 220.000
Sold for € 207.000
Zoute Grand Prix 2019
Knokke - Zoute
België - Belgium
October 2019
Just as it had done 21 years previously with the revolutionary Traction Avant, Citroën stunned the world again in 1955 with the launch of the strikingly styled 'DS'. Beneath the shark-like newcomer's aerodynamically efficient, low-drag bodyshell there was all-independent, self-levelling, hydro-pneumatic suspension plus power-operated brakes, clutch, and steering.
The project had been initiated in the 1930s by the company's managing director, Pierre-Jules Boulanger, and would be brought to fruition by designers Andre Lefebvre, previously with Voisin and Renault, and Flaminio Bertoni, who had worked on the styling of the pre-war Traction Avant. Part of Boulanger's brief had been that the proposed 'VGD' (Voiture de Grand Diffusion or Mass Market Car) should be capable of affording a comfortable ride over sub-standard rural roads while remaining stable at sustained high speeds on the Autoroutes. The solution to these seemingly incompatible requirements was the famous hydro-pneumatic suspension, suggested by Citroën engineer Paul Mages. No European car would match the DS's ride quality for several years, the fundamental soundness of Citroën's ahead-of-its-time hydro-pneumatic suspension being demonstrated by its survival until recently in top-of-the-range models.
In September 1965 the DS's original 1,911cc, overhead-valve, long-stroke engine – inherited from the Traction Avant - was replaced by a short-stroke 1,985cc unit, also available in 2,175cc and 2,347cc versions, while other DS developments included swivelling headlights, fuel injection and a five-speed gearbox. Other models offered alongside the original DS were the ID (a simplified, cheaper version), the cavernous Safari estate and the two-door Décapotable (convertible), the latter boasting coachwork by Henri Chapron. Chapron's first convertibles had been produced independently of Citroën but the factory eventually gave the project its blessing. Built by Chapron, Citroën's own Décapotables were erected on the longer, stronger chassis of the ID Break (Estate). In total, 1,365 usine (factory) convertibles were made with either the DS19 or DS21 engine between 1960 and 1971, while Chapron built a further 389 of his own, the last in 1973.
Built in 1967 and first registered in 1968, this matching-numbers DS 21 Décapotable has the most desirable hydraulic semi-automatic gearbox and retains its original registration, '6394 UY 75'. We're advised by the vendor that this DS remained with the first owner until 1988 when it was sold to a Parisian professor of psychology, Mr Ike Benzakein. This car has belonged to only two families since it left the factory.
In 1990, Mr Benzakein commenced a restoration to the highest standard; the chassis, body, engine, transmission, hydraulics, interior, and convertible hood all being restored to 'as new' condition, while the car was repainted in Bleu Antartique, a colour that was available in 1967. Today, this DS remains in outstanding condition; fastidiously maintained, it runs and drives superbly. Restoration bills are on file and the car also comes with its original plates and a French Carte Grise. An eye-catcher at any gathering, this magnificent and rare piece of French motoring history is 'on the button' and ready to be enjoyed.
Coachwork by Zagato
Chassis n° 000590
Zoute Sale - Bonhams
Estimated : € 60.000 - 90.000
Sold for € 93.150
Zoute Grand Prix 2021
Knokke - Zoute
België - Belgium
October 2021
"With little in the range of much performance intent, out of nowhere Alfa Romeo showed something called the ES30 design study at the 1987 Geneva motor show. The Alfa Romeo SZ was born. Those of a younger disposition might know Alfa Romeo products to be attractive, but underwhelming to drive. Well, the SZ was the other way around. Affectionately nicknamed 'Il Mostro', Alfa Romeo's Frankenstein shocked for many reasons, not least its brutalist styling." – evo magazine.
Reviving its tradition of building special-bodied Alfa Romeos, including the original SZ (Sprint Zagato) competition coupé of the late 1950s and early 1960s, Carrozzeria Zagato unveiled the outrageous new SZ at the Geneva Salon in March 1989. Under development for the preceding 19 months, the SZ was a joint project that also involved the styling departments of both Alfa Romeo and its parent company, FIAT, whose Robert Opron, formerly with Citroën, was responsible for the initial sketches. There are examples of other Opron-inspired masterpieces – the Citroën SM and Citroën CX – in this very sale. Opron's colleague Antonio Castellana was largely responsible for the final styling details and interior. The SZ lacked Zagato's characteristic 'double bubble' roof, while it has been suggested that its controversial styling resulted from early experiments with CAD/CAM (computer-aided) design. The SZ was built at Zagato's factory at Terrazano di Rho.
Originally typed 'ES 30' (Experimental Sports 3.0-litre) but known popularly as 'Il Mostro' (The Monster) the aggressive-looking two-seater coupé eschewed the rounded styling and aluminium-alloy coachwork hitherto associated with Zagato's high-performance Alfas in favour of an angular bodyshell crafted in lightweight moulded plastic - alloy roof excepted - which was bonded to the floor pan of the existing Alfa 75. Nowadays, smaller multiple light sources are relatively commonplace, which makes the controversial SZ, with its two clusters of three small headlights, recessed into the wide front grille, a design was ahead of its time.
Lessons learned from the latter's IMSA racing programme influenced the SZ's suspension, which endowed the car with superlative handling and roadholding, some drivers recording lateral cornering forces of up to 1.4G during testing. Suspension development was overseen by engineer Giorgio Pianta, formerly team manager of the FIAT and Lancia works rallying teams. There were Koni adjustable hydraulic dampers all round and power assisted steering, but no ABS.
Powering the SZ to its highly respectable 245km/h top speed was a 210bhp version of Alfa's superb 3.0-litre four-cam V6. Designed by Giuseppe Busso, Alfa's V6 is widely recognised as one of the finest power plants of recent times, and it is certainly one of the most glorious sounding sixes ever.
The SZ's excellent performance was achieved thanks partly to the body's exceptionally low drag coefficient of 0.30 Cd, the product of many hours spent in FIAT's wind tunnel. The engine was mounted longitudinally and drove the rear wheels via five-speed manual transaxle transmission.
Demand for the 1,000-or-so SZs scheduled for series production greatly exceeded supply. There was also an even rarer open spyder version: the RZ. By the time production ceased, Zagato had built only 1,036 SZ coupés, and today this rare and highly individual supercar is much sought after
The limited edition Alfa Romeo SZ was only manufactured in left-hand drive form, and this pristine example was delivered new in its native Italy and first registered in 1994. It has covered fewer than 1,300 kilometres from new. As such, it is presented in wonderful condition both inside and out. Importantly, it is accompanied by a set of original owner's manuals, car cover and Italian registration papers. A wonderful opportunity to acquire one of these ultra-rare Zagato-built Alfa Romeos that can only become increasingly collectible.
VNC-1 (93-KE-1919)
Volvo B6BLE / Northern Counties Paladin.
Resin body shell and 'concocted' interior
Notes:Mirror Image Models NCME Paladin bodyshell, rebuilt front details, considerably modified rear profile and second door added. Interior constructed from EFE Wright interior cut up and mounted on scratch built floor and chassis cut to length. Additional details are MIM etched wipers, mirrors and window frames. Transfers are all home produced.
Lancia Fulvia Zagato Sport 1600 Series II by Zagato (1970-72) Engine 1584cc V4 Production 27(2600 Fulvia Zaato all models)
Registration: Number LS 6006
LANCIA SET
www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623795824232...
The Lancia Fulvia debuted at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show powered by a 1298cc V4 engine of 90bhp. This is an example built by Zagota on the Fulvia coupe underpan.
The Sport was a fastback two seater based on Coupé mechanicals, built for Lancia by Zagato—where it had been designed by Ercole Spada. The Sport was commissioned by Lancia to Zagato as more aerodynamic and sportier version of the coupé, which could be used in road and track competitions.
The series 1 had its bonnet hinged to the right hand side, the rear hatch, which could be lifted electrically by an handful of centimetres to aid cabin ventilation, and the spare wheel, housed in a separate compartment, accessed from a rotating panel which held the rear number plate. The Series 1 Sport was introduced at the 1965 Turin Motorshow the first Sport had an all-aluminium alloy bodyshell and used the coupé's 1.2-litre (1,216 cc) engine. The interior featured a wood-trimmed dashboard and two small bucket seats designed by Zagato. Just 202 were made in total
The Series 1 Aport 1.3 was a 1966 upgrad of the Sport with a 1298cc engine from the Rallye 1.3, producing 87 hp. Early version retained the aluminium bonnet, doors, and spare wheel hatch.Whereas the first Sport was homologated as a two-seater, the car was now classified as a three-seater—or 2+1. The 1.3 can be distinguished from the 1.2 for its silver- instead of ivory-painted steel wheels, and the side mirror on the driver's side front wing.
The Series 1 line up was completed with the 1.3 Sport S An updated Sport 1.3 with 1,298 cc producing 92bhp These Sports were normally fitted with brake servos. It is recognizable by its larger hubcaps, decorated with Lancia flag logos instead of being plain.
The second series Zagota Sport was launched at the 1970 Turin Motorshow Changes included a 5-speed gearbox, revised suspension geometry, taller ride height, an alternator in place of the previous dynamo, a taller final drive compared to coupés, and wider tyres, the body was now all steel and seated 2+2 passengers The bonnet was now hinged at the front, and the spare wheel compartment hatch was deleted. Other changes included the lights, the moving of the mirrors from the wing to the door. The line up
contained two models the Sport 1.3S and the Sport 1600.
The Fulvia Sport was prepared and raced by several privateers in track events. During 1968 Zagato built 27 Sport Competizione competition versions, all of which were pre-sold, as well as two special. These were modified with twin, different sized round headlamps under flush Plexiglas covers, a mesh front grille, widened fenders, Plexiglas side and rear windows, quick-fill fuel cap, and a 155 PS engine. In 1969 these two cars were entered with Maglioli and Pinto as drivers at the 12 Hours of Sebring, placing 18th overall, and at the 24 Hours of Daytona, where they scored a remarkable class win in the sports prototype category and an 11th place overall. Like so many competition cars of the period the Zagato Competizione had replicas built up by owners. In period as many as 40 separate cars were raced. Modifications making them indistinquishable from the 27 genuine cars. One replica even won its class in the Targa Florio making it more valuable than any of the genuine cars.
Many Thanks for a fan'dabi'dozi 27,494,400 views
Shot 27:07:2014 at Silverstone Historic Festival REF: 103-204
Ref. 26-1611.
Audi 80 GL (1972-1976).
Escala 1/43.
Testauftrag >S<.
Schuco.
Made in Germany.
Production year: 1976.
"Schuco no. 26-1611 Test order S, from the 1976 series "For test drivers". Apart from actuality, what was special about these modellautos, that they could be divided into about 15 to 20 individual parts and thus the slogan test assignment got a special significance! (...)"
Source: www.autostadt.de/de/eshops/audi-80-gl.html
(original text in german language)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUDI 80 (B1)
"The Audi 80 was developed by Ludwig Kraus and was presented in 1972.
It quickly became the bestseller in the lower middle class.
With a facelift in September 1976, the style of the Audi 80 was aligned towards that of the Audi 100, which had just been launched.
The Audi 80 GL was the top model in the series. Front-wheel drive, negative steering scrub radius and diagonal brake circuit distribution provided for driving safety even in adverse conditions."
Engine: 4-cylinder inline engine
Displacement: 1,297 cc to 1,588 cc
Power: from 55 hp at 5,500 rpm to 110 hp at 6,000 rpm
Series: 07/1972-09/1978
Production: 932,403 cars (without US models)
Source:
www.audi-me.com/me/brand/en/company/audi_history/Evolutio...
www.audi-me.com/me/brand/en/company/audi_history/Evolutio...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Audi 80 (B1) (1972-1978)
"This model debuted in Europe in 1972 as the Audi 80, and in 1973 in Australia and North America (Canada and the USA) as the Audi Fox, and was available as either a two-door or a four-door saloon (sedan).
It effectively took the place of several models that Audi had discontinued (the F103 series, which included the first model designated as an "Audi 80"), and provided the company with a viable rival to the Opel Ascona and the Ford Taunus (Ford Cortina in the UK), as well as more upmarket offerings including the Alfa Romeo Alfetta and Triumph Dolomite."
"The Audi 80 B1 was only the second modern-era Audi product to be developed entirely under Volkswagen ownership - Audi chief engineer Ludwig Kraus had famously been disparaging about the outgoing F103 series, referring to it as the "bastard", owing to its Auto Union/DKW bodyshell and Mercedes-Benz engine.
The B1 was a clean break from the Auto Union era, being equipped with.a range of brand new 1.3- and 1.5-litre SOHC inline-four petrol engines - the first appearance of the now legendary EA827 series of engines, whose descendants are still used in VW Group vehicles to the present day."
(...)
"On the home market, two- and four- door saloons were available in base trim (55 or 60 PS, called simply Audi 80 and 80 S, respectively), as L models (LS with 75 PS engine) or as a more luxurious GL (85 PS only).
In September 1973, Audi added the sporty 80 GT (two-door only) featuring a carburettor 1.6 litre engine (code: XX) rated at 100 PS (74 kW; 99 bhp)."
(...)
"Audi's design and development efforts paid off during the 1973 European Car of the Year competition where the 80 won ahead of the Renault 5 and the Alfa Romeo Alfetta.
A facelift in autumn 1976 brought about a revised front end in the style of the newly introduced Audi 100 C2 with square instead of round headlights, 1.6- instead of 1.5 litre engines (still of 75/85 PS) and a new 80 GTE model with a fuel-injected version of the 1.6-litre (110 PS (81 kW; 108 bhp)) replacing the former 80 GT."
(...)
"The B1 platform was dropped from the European market in 1978, although it was sold into the 1979 model year in North America."
(...)
---------------------------
Audi 80 B1 (80/82)
Also called
Audi Fox
Production
1972–1978
1,103,766 built
Body style
2/4-door sedan
5-door wagon
Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Platform
Volkswagen Group B1 platform
Engine
1.3 L I4
1.5 L I4
1.6 L I4
Transmission
4-speed manual
3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase
2,470 mm (97.2 in)
Length
4,175 mm (164.4 in)
Width
1,600 mm (63.0 in)
Height
1,362 mm (53.6 in)
Chronology
Predecessor
Audi 72
Successor
Audi 80 (B2)
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audi_80
More info:
In 1970 Ford Australia hand built two Super Falcons , at a cost of about $125,000 each , as a response to Norm Beechey's Monaro . They wanted to compete against it in a locally built car .
It was powered by a NASCAR 351 ci V8 with Lucas fuel injection producing 600bhp. and had a lightweight bodyshell , the overall weight of the vehicle being 1185 kg compared with the GT HO Ph III 1500kg.
They were quite unreliable and although they practised both the Super Falcon and their respective Mustangs Geoghegan and Moffat usually elected to race the still faster and more reliable Mustang , however at the 1972 Easter Bathurst meet Geoghegans Super Falcon beat Moffats Mustang by 6/10ths of a second with the lead changing 6 times in 13 laps !
EUROPE: Designed to meet the crashworthiness requirements of EN 15227, Bombardier’s Talent 2 is the latest entrant in the competitive European market for regional EMUs. Dr Harry Hondius reports.
Formally unveiled at the InnoTrans 2008 fair in Berlin last September, Bombardier’s Talent 2 EMU is currently undergoing commissioning and acceptance trials before entering service with DB Regio in Germany.
Talent 2 is the latest in a series of new regional and suburban trainsets designed to meet the crashworthiness requirements of EN 15227. As such, it forms part of the second generation of EMUs to be designed by the manufacturers rather than the railway operators themselves. Talent 2’s main competitors are Alstom’s Coradia Continental, Siemens’ Desiro ML and Stadler’s Flirt designs.
Talent 2 has a strong heritage. The Talent 1 DMU was developed by Waggonfabrik Talbot in Aachen, just before Bombardier purchased the company in 1995. Unveiled in the spring of 1996, the regional diesel train was a completely new and striking design. Talent 1 proved very successful, with 223 diesel-mechanical and 63 diesel-electric sets built. In addition, 198 ‘Elektro Talent’ EMUs were built with Elin in Austria, of which 20 were for use in Hungary, making 484 trains in all.
Bombardier’s NINA EMUs for BLS have many similarities with Talent 1, including the Flex-Compact bogies, albeit with electrical equipment from Alstom; this family comprises 37 RABe525 S-Bahn sets and 13 RABe535 regional sets for the Lötschberg route. In Scandinavia Bombardier has delivered 90 Regina wide-bodied EMUs to Swedish operators. The company’s biggest success came in France, where 698 AGCs have been ordered along with 172 Spacium wide-bodied suburban EMUs for the Paris region. These two designs also use bogies from the Flex-Compact (formerly Wegmann) platform.
So why, with so many trains in production, has Bombardier developed another new design? Changing demands from operators and leasing companies and the new crashworthiness norms are the main reasons, along with the desire for greater flexibility to meet differing customer requirements over the lifetime of the train, especially regarding the number of doors and the entrance height.
Crashworthiness norms
From August 1 2008 any new rolling stock designs in the European Union must meet the crashworthiness requirements of EN 15277. These demand a survival space for the driver, and the train must remain structurally intact, safeguarding the passengers, in three specific scenarios:
* in a collision between two similar trains at 36 km/h,
* in a collision with a 90-tonne freight wagon at 36 km/h,
* in a collision on a level crossing with a 15 tonne lorry at 110 km/h.
Although the rules came into force in August there is provision for local safety authorities to allow a four-year transition period. So far the Dutch have taken the lead in demanding full application, with the latest Sprinter EMUs (RG 3.08 p180), 82 out of 437 GTW trainsets and the Protos EMUs all compliant. Alstom’s Coradia Nordic was also built to meet the crashworthiness criteria from its inception, but so far the Coradia Continental sets for DB do not (RG 5.08 p321). Whilst the ET 422 S-Bahn units are compliant, DB placed framework contracts in July 2008 for 120 Coradia Lint, 60 RegioShuttle and 60 Desiro Classic DMUs, which do not meet EN 15227; these will be ordered as and when DB Regio AG wins regional operating concessions.
Bombardier’s AGC and Spacium designs, as well as the Desiro ML from Siemens do meet the EN 15227 requirements. The NINA does not, nor do the 614 Flirts from Stadler, although a crashworthy Flirt variant has been prepared for future orders.
Among the second-generation competitors, Alstom has won orders for 150 Coradia Lirex Nordic and 141 Coradia Lirex Continental units, Siemens is supplying 17 Desiro Main Line EMUs in Germany and 305 for Belgium, and Stadler has 186 German orders out of 614 Flirts in total.
Framework contract
In February 2007 DB AG signed a framework agreement with Bombardier for Talent 2, providing for up to 321 trainsets to be supplied between May 2009 and December 31 2014. These will be converted to firm orders as and when DB wins regional or S-Bahn concessions which require new electric trainsets.
So far, firm orders have been placed for 76 sets:
* S-Bahn Nürnberg: 42 four-car sets of Class ET 442;
* Moselbahn, Koblenz – Trier/Perl: eight four-car and five two-car units;
* Cottbus – Leipzig: three four-car and three two-car units;
* Rhein-Sieg regional express, Aachen – Köln – Siegen: three three-car, 10 four-car and two five-car units.
This last order was valued at €60m, which equates to just €19 000/m²; this is a very competitive price indeed.
All-steel bodyshell
Developed in Hennigsdorf, Talent 2 is planned as a platform offering trainsets of two to six cars, varying from 40 m to 104 m in length (Fig 2). It is an all-steel welded car, with the bodies fabricated at Ceska Lipa. The principal concept behind Talent 2 is to offer the greatest operational flexibility terms of seating arrangements, toilets and door positions. The window panels have the same dimensions as the door panels, so that doorways can be added, or even removed, at a later date.
The end cars have entrances at 800 mm above rail. The floor height in the intermediate cars can vary depending on customer requirements. The option selected for the Nürnberg units was shown at InnoTrans: a small ramp links the floor at 695 mm above rail with the entrances at 773 mm. A Bode sliding step at 573 mm (Fig 3 left) serves 550 mm high platforms. An alternative arrangement (Fig 3 right) would have a ramp down from the 695 mm floor to a doorway at 598 mm, still only 50 mm higher than a 550 mm platform and a sliding step at 360 mm for lower platform heights.
To meet EN 15227, the end cars have hydraulic energy absorbers at two levels, in addition to the energy absorption qualities of the automatic Voith Scharfenberg coupler. A steel cage around the cab provides the survival space for the driver, enclosed by a GRP nose from Stratiform. Reinforcement of the articulations prevents damaging energy levels being transmitted to the inner coaches. The Hübner corrugated gangways provide an inter-car walkway 732 mm wide.
Talent 2 also runs on bogies from the Flex-Compact family like those used on AGC or Spacium which have H-frames with a degree of in-built flexibility. The primary suspension and axle guidance acts as a linkage to the axle boxes, connected to the frame via rubber bushes on the inner side and via steel primary springs with a vertical shock absorber on the outer side. Secondary suspension is by air springs, with rubber/metallic auxiliary springs on each side complemented by a vertical shock absorber, and two torsion anti-roll stabilizers, two yaw dampers and one horizontal damper. A central connection transmits traction and braking forces. Knorr electro-pneumatic wheel brakes act on 10 wheels, and spring-loaded parking brakes are applied to 12 wheels. One of the end bogies is equipped with electromagnetic track brakes and both end bogies have Delemon flange lubrication equipment.
A single pantograph feeds the electrical equipment which was designed at Västerås. Skoda asynchronous four-pole forced ventilated motors drive the two end bogies and the central articulation bogie. They have a maximum power of 505 kW and a continuous rating of 380 kW, with a maximum speed of 5 614 rev/min. The motors are fully suspended, and drive through a toothed coupling and 1:5·05 single-reduction Watteeuw gears which are suspended from the frame on one side and rest on the axle. Two-stage gearing is provided for the powered articulation bogie because of the limited space.
All of the equipment is mounted on the roof with the exception of the two transformers and the 110 V, 105 Ah batteries, which are slung under the floors of the end cars. The two transformers deliver 6 x 428 kVA. Each motored bogie has its own inverter, of which two include auxiliary inverters. A separate 500 W inverter feeds the 24 V DC circuit.
To meet DB Regio’s design requirements, the trains are fitted with Kiel’s Match type seats. The single-glazed windows come from Securit in Poland. Bode has also supplied the electrically operating sliding-plug doors. Because of EBA’s latest safety requirements, the closing of the doors is monitored by optical sensors in two dimensions and the doors are fitted with highly-sensitive rubber edging strips incorporating Mayser electronic sensors. The fully-accessible toilet compartment has a shell from Bahrain and fittings from Denmark.
Air-conditioning is provided on all vehicles. Each unit is rated at 2 900 m³/h when air is being recirculated, or 1 900 m³/h with fresh air. The end cars have provision for 31·75 kW of heating, compared with 33·4 kW for the intermediate vehicles, cooling rate for all cars is 27 kW. Warm air is fed into the saloons from below, cool air from the roof. The driving cabs are equipped with separate air-conditioning units, rated at 5·4 kW heating and 4·5 kW cooling. These can recirculate at 550 m³/h or add fresh air at 400m³/h. Overall train design is by Michel Sohn at Hennigsdorf.
A versatile family
Although we have not yet had the opportunity to sample the riding qualities of Talent 2, Bombardier seems to have made a serious effort to develop a largely-standardised steel-bodied trainset with the flexibility to deliver a variety of functional interior layouts without incurring heavy engineering costs. As well as the established Flex-Compact bogies, Talent 2 uses several elements that are well-proven in other DB series. The cab layout, for example, is identical to that of the Class ET 422 units.
In the private operator market, the closest competitor to Talent 2 is the Flirt, which does not yet meet EN 15227, is 1·8 m shorter, and carries 51 fewer passengers. The Flirt has 5·2% less power, and only four driven axles, but is 8·6% lighter.
This text is from railway gazette
Recorded at Brno Královo Pole in April 2023, IDS Cargo 365 001 had charge of a block train of gas tanks [Zagkks].
The locomotive is one of a pair of former SNCB Class 12 [1984] locomotives re-built by CZ Loko to become Effiliner 3000 units. Locomotive 365 001 is the former 1203 dual-voltage Belgian machine that has been modernised with new cabs, brakes, traction equipment and electronic controls, retaining only the bogies and bodyshell. The maximum speed has been reduced from 160 to 120 km/h to reflect its use on freight traffic and following tests, the locomotive was approved for operation in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
All images on this site are exclusive property and may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, transmitted, manipulated or used in any way without expressed written permission of the photographer. All rights reserved – Copyright Don Gatehouse
Bonhams : the Zoute Sale
Estimated : € 260.000 - 300.000
Zoute Grand Prix 2017
Knokke - Zoute
België - Belgium
October 2017
Porsche's first take on a convertible 911 had been the Targa model of 1965, a 'halfway house' design chosen because of fears that a genuine soft-top would not meet US Federal safety regulations, but by 1981 the company felt able to proceed with the genuine article. Introduced in normally aspirated 3.0-litre form in 1982, the 911 Cabriolet lost little, if any, rigidity with the deletion of the Targa roll-over bar, while its speedily raised/lowered top featured a detachable, zip-fastened rear window. The 911 Cabriolet proved a hit from the moment of its debut at the Geneva Salon in March 1982 and by the end of the 1983 model year had sold over 4,000 units, a total some 50% higher than that achieved by the cheaper Targa version.
Completing the soft-top 911 line-up was the Speedster, which revived a charismatic model from Porsche's past when it arrived for 1989, the name previously having been applied to that most stylish of the many Type 356 variants. Based on the 911 Turbo Cabriolet, though normally aspirated, the 3.2-litre Speedster was launched immediately prior to the introduction of the new Type 964 bodyshell and thus was the last 911 model to feature the old-style body based on the original design of 1963.
The latter was reworked by chief stylist Tony Lapine, incorporating numerous references to the original 356 Speedster as well as a pair of controversial 'camel hump' cowlings behind the seats that concealed the stowed-away manual hood, a simplified affair described by the factory as for 'temporary' use. From 1984 Porsche offered the 'Turbo Look' body style - flared wheelarches, large rear wing and deeper front spoiler - on its normally aspirated models including the Speedster, the vast majority of which were ordered with this option. One of the rarest of the 911 family, the Speedster was built for the 1989 season only, a mere 2,065 cars being completed.
The Speedster was collected from the factory in August 1989 and shipped to the USA where it was registered in the Porsche Berkey dealership's name. However, first owner Heinrichs did not drive the car, which had covered only 60 miles by 2008 when he sold it. In 2008 this little-used Speedster returned to Europe and was bought by a Switzerland-resident French citizen, who kept the car (French registered) in Paris. ON the Porsche's return to Europe the speedometer was changed from miles to kilometres per hour by an official Porsche dealership. Of course, the original mph odometer has remained with the car as a proof of its ultra-low mileage. At the same time the Speedster was brought up to European specification (the third stoplight and US rear bumper come with the car).
Its owner registered the Porsche in 2008 and it is only then that the mileage started to increase, albeit slowly, from 800 kilometres in 2008 to 1,600 now. Although only driven infrequently, the car has been serviced on a regular basis:
On display in the exhibition halls is Dave Eaton's wonderful creation in the early stages of the process, the Icon 917. Starting with a bodyshell mould of David Piper's 917K-010, Dave and John Hartland were to spend 8 years recreating this marvellous car that was always intended to run on road and track. Fully IVA-compliant, it was to have a 3.6 flat-six engine with 280bhp and would only be distinguishable from the original by small details necessary for it to run on the road. It finally surfaced at the Silverstone Classic in July 2019 where I had the pleasure of seeing it and having a chat with its creator.
Austin Healey Sprite (Frogeye) Mk.1 (1958-61) Engine 948cc S4 OHV BMC A Series Production 38999
Registration Number XAD 377 (Gloucester)
AUSTIN HEALEY SET
www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623759812996...
The first of the Austun Healey Sprite's, nicknamed Frogeye for obvious reasons (or Bugeye in the USA), with a one piece lift up bonnet-wing assembly. First announced to the press in Monte Carlo May 1958. just ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix and intended as a low cost sports car for the enthusiast. The Sprite was designed by the Donald Healey Motor Company, with production being undertaken by Austin-Healey. It first went on sale at a price of £669, using a tuned version of the Austin A-Series engine and as many other components from existing cars as possible to keep costs down, the car was produced at the MG plant in Abingdon.
It was originally intended that the headlights would be retractable and sit in the wings, facing upward when not in use, simular to the much later Porsche 928, but the flip up arangement was abandoned at the design stage to maintain low costs. The body was styled by Gerry Coker, with subsequent alterations by Les Ireland following Coker's emigration to the US in 1957. The car's distinctive frontal styling bore a strong resemblance to the defunct American 1951 Crosley Super Sport.
The problem of providing a rigid structure to an open-topped sports car was resolved by Barry Bilbie, Healey's chassis designer, who adapted the idea provided by the Jaguar D-type, with rear suspension forces routed through the bodyshell's floor pan. The Sprite's chassis design was the world's first volume-production sports car to use unitary construction, where the sheet metal body panels (apart from the bonnet) take many of the structural stresses. The original metal gauge (thickness of steel) of the rear structure specified by Bilbie was reduced by the Austin Design Office during prototype build, however during testing at M.I.R.A. (Motor Industry Research Association) distortion and deformation of the rear structure occurred and the original specification was reinstated.
The 43 bhp, 948 cc OHV engine (coded 9CC) was derived from the Austin A35 & Morris Minor 1000 models, but upgraded with twin 11⁄8" inch SU carburettors. The rack and pinion steering was derived from the Morris Minor 1000 and the front suspension from the Austin A35.
Many thanks for a fantabulous 37,511,900 views
Shot at the Haynes International Motor Museum Sparkford, Somerset 23rd June 2015 Ref 107-026
A line of redundant Class 76s is seen in the shed yard at Reddish in August 1981. The view was taken from the nearby Station Road overbridge on the Gorton to Trafford Park freight line (the 'Fallowfield Loop'). The dumped bodyshell of 76043 lies in the undergrowth in the foreground - this was later re-united with its chassis for the final trip to the breaker's yard.
An improved scan of an image previously uploaded.
Three stages in the development of my resin Movano bodyshells. The grey one is the original metal master modified from the ambulance kit, from which a mould was made. In the centre is one of the resin castings as it came out of the mould and before any cleaning up, and on the right is the finished product. All of the initial batch of 15 have already been sold but I am taking names for a second run - these are only suitable for experienced modellers though as they are supplied as bodyshells only and it is the buyer's responsibility to provide their own running gear, interior and glazing.
Coachwork by Henri Chapron
Bonhams : the Zoute Sale
Estimated : € 240.000 - 320.000
Sold for € 425.500
Zoute Grand Prix 2018
Knokke - Zoute
België - Belgium
October 2018
Just as it had done 21 years previously with the revolutionary 'Traction Avant', Citroën stunned the world again in 1955 with the launch of the strikingly styled 'DS'. Beneath the shark-like newcomer's aerodynamically efficient, low-drag bodyshell there was all-independent, self-levelling, hydro-pneumatic suspension plus power-operated brakes, clutch, and steering.
The project had been initiated in the 1930s by the company's managing director, Pierre-Jules Boulanger, and would be brought to fruition by designers Andre Lefebvre, previously with Voisin and Renault, and Flaminio Bertoni, who had worked on the styling of the pre-war Traction Avant. Part of Boulanger's brief had been that the proposed 'VGD' (Voiture de Grand Diffusion or Mass Market Car) should be capable of affording a comfortable ride over sub-standard rural roads while remaining stable at sustained high speeds on the Autoroutes. The solution to these seemingly incompatible requirements was the famous hydro-pneumatic suspension, suggested by Citroën engineer Paul Mages. No European car would match the DS's ride quality for several years, the fundamental soundness of Citroën's ahead-of-its-time hydro-pneumatic suspension being demonstrated by its survival in present-day top-of-the-range models.
In September 1965 the DS's original 1,911cc, overhead-valve, long-stroke engine – inherited from the Traction Avant - was replaced by a short-stroke 1,985cc unit, also available in 2,175cc and 2,347cc versions, while other DS developments included swivelling headlights, fuel injection and a five-speed gearbox. Other models offered alongside the original DS were the ID (a simplified, cheaper version), the cavernous Safari estate and the two-door Décapotable (convertible), the latter boasting coachwork by Henri Chapron. Chapron's first convertibles had been produced independently of Citroën but the factory eventually gave the project its blessing. Citroën's own Décapotables were built on the longer, stronger chassis of the ID Break (Estate) but the model was never produced in England, where Citroën's right-hand drive cars were assembled at its Slough factory up to 1966. In total, 1,365 usine (factory) convertibles were made with either the DS19 or DS21 engine between 1960 and 1971, while Chapron built a further 389 of his own, the last in 1973.
The beautiful Citroën convertible offered here is the first of three DS23 IE cars built by the Chapron factory for 1973, and one of only four such examples with the 2.3-litre IE (fuel injected) engine. It was originally ordered by eminent Parisian Raoul d'Iray in October 1972 through the Citroën dealership in Paris 18th, 6 rue d'Oran. Carrying the Chapron build number '9414', this exceedingly rare car was finished in December 1972 and first registered in March 1973 under the Parisian number '3304 ZB 75' to Mr Raoul d'Iray, 148 Avenue Louis Roche, Gennevilliers/Seine, France.
At that time, Henri Chapron's cars were no longer sold through the Citroën dealer network, and every car that Chapron transformed had to be approved by the French licensing authority (the 'Service des Mines') before it could be registered. These papers accompany the car. The DS remained in Raoul d'Iray's ownership for a decade. It then passed to a Mr Van Houten, remaining with him for a further decade before passing to Mr Jaap Knap, a Citroën dealer.
Last publicly offered for sale in 2006 at Rétromobile, this rare Citroën DS23 IE Décapotable was purchased by the car collector and hugely successful fashion entrepreneur, Mr Kevin Stanford, who registered it in the UK with his personal registration plate, '56 KS'.
For the next 12 years the car was enjoyed by Mr Stanford and his family before being purchased by a UK car collector. Since then it has received a detailed mechanical overhaul at the hands of the widely respected UK-based Citroën specialist, Olivier Houiller of French Classics Ltd. Recent receipts totalling over £15,000 accompany the car, as does the extensive Chapron build documentation that was provided by Noëlle-Eleonore Chapron, Henri Chapron's daughter.
This magnificent and very rare piece of French motoring history is 'on the button' and ready to be enjoyed. An eye-catcher at any gathering, it comes with the aforementioned documentation and is currently registered in the UK.
VNC-1 (93-KE-1919)
Volvo B6BLE / Northern Counties Paladin.
Resin body shell and 'concocted' interior
Notes:Mirror Image Models NCME Paladin bodyshell, rebuilt front details, considerably modified rear profile and second door added. Interior constructed from EFE Wright interior cut up and mounted on scratch built floor and chassis cut to length. Additional details are MIM etched wipers, mirrors and window frames. Transfers are all home produced.
Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais
Bonhams
Estimated : € 130.000 - 180.000
Sold for € 143.750
Parijs - Paris
Frankrijk - France
February 2018
- Delivered new to Germany
- Early short-wheelbase car
- One of the first 911S models
- One of only 523 produced
- Matching chassis, engine, and transmission numbers
Now well into its sixth decade of production, the Porsche 911 defines its maker in way that few cars have: think 'Porsche' and you inevitably think '911'. Porsche's long-running and much loved sports car first appeared at the Frankfurt Show in September 1963, with deliveries commencing in 1964. The preceding Type 356's rear-engined layout was retained but the 911 switched to unitary construction for the bodyshell and dropped the 356's VW-based suspension in favour of a more modern McPherson strut and trailing arm arrangement. In its first incarnation, Porsche's single-overhead-camshaft, air-cooled flat six engine displaced 1,991cc and produced 130bhp; progressively enlarged and developed, it would eventually grow to more than 3.0 litres and, in turbo-charged form, put out well over 300 horsepower.
The first of countless upgrades to the perennial 911 came in 1966, two years after production had commenced, with the introduction of the 911S. Easily distinguishable by its stylish Fuchs five-spoked alloy wheels, the 'S' featured a heavily revised engine producing 160 bhp, and was capable of a top speed of 225 km/h.
The Porsche 911S offered here, chassis number '307205S', is one of the early, short-wheelbase type much favoured by the historic rallying fraternity, a situation that has led to unmodified examples such as this one becoming a great rarity and consequently much in demand. Noteworthy features include the dashboard instruments with green figures (correct for the 1965-1967 model years), and the very rare and expensive, Fuchs deep-dished five-spoke alloy wheels.
This car was delivered new via the Volkswagen and Porsche dealer Rittersbacher of Kaiserslautern, Germany on 24th February 1967, and was registered on 1st July of that year to its first owner, Wilfried Holzenthal of Weidenhahn, Germany (delivery certificate available). History relating to its time with three further collector owners (2001-2011) is available also.
The current owner purchased the Porsche in 2011, at which time it was still in its original and rare Sand Beige colour (albeit an older repaint) and otherwise was un-restored and original. A Technical Inspection was carried out in May 2012 by TüV Rhineland (Classic Data report available) and later that year the car was extensively refurbished by one of Germany's most respected restorers, Thomas Grohmann of Classic Car Workshop in Pruem. As well as routine servicing, these works included renewing all the body's rubber seals; re-upholstering the seats in black leather and fitting new carpets; re-plating the brightwork; replacing the brake hoses; overhauling the carburettors; clear re-waxing the under-body; and fitting a new silencer and a new battery. The engine and gearbox are described as in top condition, and the car comes with cancelled German Fahrzeugbrief and fresh TüV valid until January 2020. All invoices are available. A wonderful opportunity to acquire a stunning and very rare early 911S with the desirable short wheelbase.
The GT 1300 Junior Zagato was a limited production two seater coupe with aerodynamic bodywork by Zagato (Ercole Spada) of Milan. The model evoked the earlier, race-oriented Giulietta Sprint Zagatos which featured aluminium bodywork and had a very active competition history. However, the Junior Zagato featured a steel bodyshell with an aluminium bonnet and aluminium doorskins (on the earlier 1300 JZ's). The 1300 JZ was not specifically intended for racing and did not see much use in competition. The 1300 JZ was first seen in public at the Turin Motor Show of 1969. In total 1,108 units were constructed of which 2 were destroyed during production because the bodyshells were not within specification. The 1300 was based on the floorpan, driveline and suspension of the 1300 Spider. However, the floorpan was shortened behind the rear wheels to fit the bodyshell. The last 1300 Junior Zagato was produced in 1972 although in 1974 2 more cars were built according to the records.
In 1972 the 1600 Zagato came out of which 402 units were produced. In this case the floorpan was unaltered from the 1600 Spider, so that the normal fueltank could be left in place. As a consequence, the 1600 Zagato is approximately 100 mm (3.9 in) longer than the 1300 JZ. This can be seen at the back were the sloping roofline runs further back and the backpanel is different and lower. The lower part of the rear bumper features a bulge to make room for the spare tire. The 1600 Zagato has numerous differences when compared to the 1300 Junior Zagato. If you ever see two side by side, have a look at the details. The last 1600 Zagato was produced in 1973 and the cars were sold until 1975.
(Wikipedia)
The Jaguar XJ (XJ40) is a luxury sedan manufactured by Jaguar Cars between 1986 and 1994. Officially unveiled on 8 October 1986 it was an all-new redesign of the XJ to replace the Series III, although the two model ranges were sold concurrently until the Series III was discontinued in 1992. The XJ40 used the Jaguar independent rear suspension arrangement, and featured a number of technological enhancements (such as electronic instrumentation)
Development:
Throughout the 1970s Jaguar had been developing "Project XJ40", which was an all-new model intended to replace the original XJ6. Scale models were being built as early as 1972. Due to the 1973 oil crisis and problems at parent company British Leyland, the car was continually delayed. Proposals from both Jaguar's in-house designers and Pininfarina were received. Eventually, it was decided an internal design would be carried through to production and, in February 1981, the British Leyland board approved £80 million to produce the new car.
Jaguar historians claim that the XJ40 was the last car which company founder Sir William Lyons had contributed to during its protracted development phase. The previous generation XJ had been the final Jaguar to be developed wholly under Lyons' leadership - although he continued to take an active consultative role within Jaguar design, long after had retired from the day to day management of the firm following its merger in 1966 with the British Motor Corporation.
During development, the XJ40 pioneered significant improvements to the way Jaguar designed, built, and assembled cars. Among these improvements was a 25 per cent reduction in the number of bodywork panels required per car (e.g. three pressings needed for a Series 3 door compared with one for a XJ40 door), resulting in not only a more efficient assembly process, but also a weight saving and a stiffer structure. Greater attention to panel gaps improved the drag factor (reduced from 0.849 Cd to 0.762 Cd), while also improving the fuel economy and lowering wind noise inside the cabin.
Mechanicals:
AJ6 4.0 L engine (in a 1990 Daimler)
Initially, only two engines were offered across the XJ40 models: a 2.9 L and a 3.6 L version of the AJ6 inline-six. In 1990, these were changed to 3.2 L and 4.0 L versions. In 1993, the XJ12 and Daimler Double Six (both equipped with the Jaguar V12 engine) were added to the available models.
During the development of the XJ40, British Leyland had considered providing the Rover V8 engine for the car, which would have eliminated the need for future Jaguar engine production. The XJ40 bodyshell was allegedly engineered to prevent fitting V-configuration engines such as the Rover V8; this delayed the introduction of the V12-powered XJ12 until 1993.
The automatic gearbox used in the 2.9 L, 3.2 L and 3.6 L six-cylinder cars was the four-speed ZF 4HP22. On the 4.0 L, the four-speed ZF 4HP24 was used. A stronger automatic gearbox was required for the V12-equipped cars, and the four-speed GM 4L80-E was selected. The manual gearbox fitted to early cars was the five-speed Getrag 265, while later cars received the Getrag 290.
The automatic transmission selector was redesigned to allow the manual selection of forward gears without accidentally selecting neutral or reverse. This new feature was dubbed the "J-Gate" and has carried over to more recent Jaguar models.
Exterior:
The curvaceous lines of the outgoing Series XJ were replaced by the more angular, geometric shape of the XJ40. The nose of the car would accommodate either matched pairs of round headlights, or rectangular single units; the latter were fitted to the higher-specification Sovereign and Daimler trim levels, and also to all cars for the US market.
The bumper is a visually distinct black-rubber-covered bar that runs the full width of the car and incorporates the sidelights and indicator lights. The bonnet is hinged at the front. Window frames are either chromed or black, depending on model. Rain gutters, door mirrors, and door handles are also finished in chrome. All XJ40s have a chrome surround for the windscreen and a single windscreen wiper.
Early low-specification cars were fitted with metric-sized steel wheels and plastic wheelcovers. From 1991, the wheels were changed to non-metric sizing.
[Text from Wikipedia]
This Lego miniland-scale 1986 Jaguar XJ6 (XJ40) has been created for Flickr LUGNuts 85th Build Challenge, - "Like, Totally 80s", - for vehicles created during the decade of the 1980s.
Ford Escort (5th Gen) LX Estate (1990-97) Engine 1800cc S4 Diesel
Registration Number M 195 UCP
FORD (UK) SET
www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623665118181...
The Escort Mark V Hatch and Estate and sibling the Ford Orion Mark III Saloon arrived in September 1990 with an all-new bodyshell and a simplified torsion beam rear suspension. Initially the 1.3 L HCS, 1.4 L and 1.6 L CVH petrol and 1.8 L diesel units carried over from the earlier models. The new car was not well received by the Motoring Press critised for its mediocre handling and poor refinement.
In early 1992, an all new Zetec 16-valve engine was launched bringing improved driveability, while also marking the return of the XR3i Specifications were improved and the Escort was now available with items such as power steering, electric windows, central locking, electronic antilock brakes, and air conditioning..
Stung by the critiscm of the original Mk.V Ford facelifted the Escort and Orion in September 1992, giving the revised cars a new grille, bonnet and, in the Escort hatchback's case, a new rear end. A new 1.6 L 16-valve 90 bhp (66 kW) Zetec engine was introduced, replacing the previous CVH. Fuel injection was now standard on all petrol models, Also new for 1993 were 1.3 L and 1.4 L CFi petrol engines and 1.8 L diesel engines. Ford introduced a four-wheel-drive variant of the RS2000, offering much improved handling over its front-wheel-drive cousins. A first for the Escort also saw the introduction of all disc brakes on all four wheels as standard on all RS2000 and XR3i models.
The crash structure was also improved, featuring side impact bars, a reinforced safety cage, improved crumple zones, front seat-belt pretensioners and airbags..
In September 1993, the Orion name was dropped, with the saloon taking on the Escort badge. The XR3i was discontinued a few months later.
Many Thanks for a fan'dabi'dozi 27,096,500 views
Shot 25:07:2014 at Tesco Superstore, Shirley REF: 102-1123
The second Class 91 to return to service; a sparkling, recently ex-works 91111 'For the Fallen' ducks under Askham Tunnel, leading today's Neville Hill to Peterborough test run, running as 5Z20. Due to the recent discovery of cracking in the bodyshells of the IET fleet, the plans to re-introduce IC225 sets to the ECML have been accelerated; one diagram has already been given over to Class 91 power, with 91111 + Mk4 set NL13 likely to begin a second diagram later this week. I'm going to have a 'cracking' time photographing these!!!
Of note is that 91111 and set are in reverse formation, presumably they will be turned before re-entering traffic.
Blasting north through Lichfield Trent Valley with the 1F10 London Euston to Liverpool Lime Street is Virgin Trains Class 390, 390148.
Since their introduction in 2002, the Class 390 tilting Pendolino sets have revolutionised services on the West Coast Mainline, bringing about an entirely new level of speed onto a route notorious for its laboriously winding route. But with such a technological leap, the Class 390 has sadly paid the price for its image due to what it was replacing.
The idea of a tilting train on the West Coast Mainline was however not a new one to Alstom when they developed the Pendolino sets in the late 1990's, with the concept being toyed way back in the early 1970's. British Rail first pioneered the concept of the tilting train with the ill-fated Advanced Passenger Train or APT of the mid-1970's. The idea was to create a train that could shift its centre of gravity whilst moving around sharp bends at high speeds, similar to how a motorcyclist leans into corners. This was to not only allow the train to travel at higher speeds on winding track without fear of it falling over, but also to improve passenger comfort levels and stop people being pressed against the windows when taking corners!
The original APT was a Gas-Turbine unit that operated on the Midland Region out of London St Pancras, and was later followed by the Class 370 electric multiple unit that began trials on the West Coast Mainline from 1980. A truly brilliant concept, the APT showed the world that the idea of a tilting train could be possible, that is, when it worked. The Class 370 was marred by teething problems and reliability issues, mostly consisting of the fact that the tilting mechanism wouldn't work properly or there would be just general train faults. Coupled with the winter of 1981, the worst winter for many years, and the train's image was damaged beyond repair. Even while developments were looking promising, and with only a few million Pounds required to complete the project, the British Government pulled the plug and the APT was axed in 1986, with only one complete set remaining as a rather sorry museum piece. The train of the future had become a thing of the past.
But the developments of the APT were picked up by none-other than Fiat Ferroviaria, who, following the failure of their British rival, developed their own and much more successful tilting train, the ETR-401 Pendolino, which began operations in 1988. This was later translated into a fleet of 15 ETR 450 production units which became the first revenue earning tilting trains.
In 2000, Fiat Ferroviaria was acquired by Alstom, who has been building their legendary tilting trains ever since. This coincided with the formation of Virgin Trains following privatisation of British Rail in 1994. As part of Virgin Trains' franchise requirements in 1997, the company intended the replacement of the ageing BR stock of the 1960's with a new fleet of high speed trains that would reduce journey times and up travel quality. As such, Virgin turned to Fiat Ferroviaria and later successor Alstom to provide them with a derivative version of the company's latest tilting Pendolino, the ETR 460.
Fiat Ferroviaria supplied much of the content of the Class 390 units, including the bodyshell and the bogies, while final assembly was carried out at Washwood Heath. The tilting technology was developed by SIG Switzerland (later Fiat-SIG, today Alstom). Two electromechanical actuators are used per car to achieve the desired tilting angle on curved stretches of track. The train can tilt to a maximum of eight degrees, at which point one side of the cabin train is 380 mm higher above the track than the other. In contrast to other Fiat Ferroviaria tilting trains which use hydraulic tilting actuators, the electromechanical systems offers lower maintenance cost and higher efficiency.
The new trains were intended to run at 140mph, but the West Coast Main Line modernisation programme, which was an upgrade to the infrastructure to allow faster line speeds, ran over budget. Consequently, plans were scaled back, and in a manner reminiscent of the introduction of the InterCity 225, the lack of signalling upgrades resulted in the maximum line speed being restricted to 125mph. Although this (and 140mph) are well below BR's hopes for APT of 155mph, it does match the maximum speed of 125mph for the APT in passenger service (although one APT set reached 162mph in testing).
The fleet was introduced into passenger services from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly on 23rd July, 2002, to coincide with the opening of the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester. Over the next few months they took over the Manchester services, and were soon introduced on routes from London to Liverpool Lime Street, Birmingham New Street, Wolverhampton and Preston.
With the start of Class 390 operations, the writing was very much on the wall for the ageing sets of trains it was replacing, and thus the Class 390's image began to be somewhat tarnished amongst the railway purists. First to go were the Class 86's of the 1960's, proud high-speed locomotives that were once the mainstay of the WCML, withdrawn from service in 2003 following both the introduction of the Class 390's, and the Class 220/221 Voyager units on Cross-Country services. Next were the newer Class 90's of 1989, replaced in 2004 once Class 390's had been allocated to routes north of Preston. The final locomotive hauled trains were provided by the Class 87's of the 1970's, which held strong until final replacement in 2005, bringing an end to locomotive hauled services on the West Coast Mainline. From then on, the Class 86's have mostly been scrapped, whilst Class 90's were transferred to Anglia to replace their Class 86 fleet. Class 87's on the other hand have since been exported largely to Bulgaria, the few remaining here in the UK either being scrapped, placed in storage, or made into museum pieces. This left a great deal of animosity towards the Class 390's by the railway enthusiast community, who, even after 10 years, still have a strong hatred towards these trains.
The service improvements however are something that can't be taken away from the Class 390's as these trains have taken the original and comparatively sluggish 110mph top speed and translated it into the extremely fast 125mph running speed that BR had dreamt of for years. In September 2006, the Pendolino set a new speed record, completing the 401 mile length of the West Coast Main Line from Glasgow Central to London Euston in 3 hours, 55 minutes, beating the 4-hour-14-minute record for the southbound run previously set in 1981 by the Class 370 APT. The APT however retains the ultimate speed record for this route, having completed the northbound journey between London Euston and Glasgow Central in 3 hours 52 minutes in 1984 which included a 5-minute delay due to a signal fault.
Since then the Pendolino has become very much a staple of high speed train travel in the UK, and still looks good even 15 years after the first ones hit the test tracks back in 2001.
The Class 390 was put to the test however with 390033 'City of Glasgow', which was written off after the Grayrigg derailment of February 23rd, 2007. The accident had been caused by a points malfunction, which, after a failure to inspect by Network Rail, changed the direction of travel from normal and thus resulted in the entire set derailing and plummeting down an embankment at 95mph. The sturdy design and robust nature of the Class 390 has been attributed to the fact that only one person, an elderly lady, was killed in the disaster, whereas if the previous MkII carriages had been involved, the death-toll could have been much higher. As said, the unit was written off, and the less damaged rear carriages of the set now reside at the Crewe Training Centre and are used for the instruction of drivers and train crew. The subsequent destruction of one of the units led to Virgin Trains reinstating a loco-hauled service to cover its diagrams, this being in the form of a hired Class 90 (usually from Freightliner), a set of 9 MkIII coaches, and a Driving Van Trailer. This train operated covering diagrams until November 2014, when it was retired and transferred to Greater Anglia.
Since 2007 the Class 390's have had their fleet enhanced from the original 53 sets to 57 with the addition of 4 new units between 2011 and 2012. The introduction of these new sets coincided with the extension of 31 sets to 11-cars, with new carriages built and imported from Alstom's factory in Italy, the first routine 11-car InterCity train to operate in the UK since the 1970's.
Today the Class 390's continue to ply their merry trade, and remain vital parts of the UK's high speed network, bringing Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool and London closer together than they've ever been before.
Showing the uniquely Irish bodyshell, 5607 is a Mark 2 Electric Generating Vehicle. The Irish tend to have used separate engines for heating and lighting stock, avoiding many of the issues that arose when BR went to put ETH onto locomotives. It is seen in the formation of the 1335 Connolly - Sligo
Scanned from a print at 1200dpi
Laminátka is the nickname given to this style of Skoda electric loco, seen here in the final times of Czechoslovak Railways, numbered 230 094-5. They were so called owing to their bodyshell being made of laminate. Upon the division of the country, they became the class 489 with ZSR, the Slovak railway.
CSD also had the sightly later series 240 too which looked similar, and these were classed as 499s in Slovak service.
Brno, Moravia, Czechoslovakia
10th September 1992
Pentax MX, Kodachrome
19920910 44733 230.094.5 Brno crop clean