There seems to be a very strong market developing for cars that are designed never to be driven on the road. Ferrari have been very successful in this area and has produced a number of cars which the owners only ever see or drive when they are delivered to a track.

These cars are made possible by the use of technology in design, manufacture and materials which keeps costs down (relatively speaking, these are still phenomenally expensive cars). As well as the continued growth of super rich people looking for ways to spend their money.

Ferrari’s latest offering is the 499P Modificata, a strictly limited-series car for non-competitive track use. The 499P Modificata is a substantially modified version of the 499P that triumphed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June this year.

Designed for a very select clientele (ie very wealthy), the 499P Modificata is a track-only model developed directly from a racing car rather than a production model, but without the limitations imposed by technical regulations. While the 499P Modificata is based on the 499P, not having to comply with FIA WEC sporting and technical parameters has allowed Ferrari’s engineering team to introduce a number of significant modifications that enhance driving thrills and make the car’s performance more accessible.

The major technical modifications between the 499P Modificata and the 499P include the electric axle and four-wheel drive that can be activated even at low speeds; the “Push to Pass” function, which offers drivers the option of an extra 120 kW of power; specific tyres developed by Pirelli, and a complete recalibration of the suspension set-up, electronic controllers and engine mappings.

The 499P Modificata retains the cockpit, with its single-seater layout, and ergonomics of the 499P, providing clients with exactly the same driving experience as the crews who drove the racing cars #50 and #51 that took the win, Hyperpole and fastest lap in the race at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Its obvious derivation from the 499P makes the 499P Modificata the highest-performance closed-wheel car that Ferrari has ever proposed for non-competitive use on the track. The cars will be fielded in the new Sport Prototipi Clienti programme that, from 2024, will run alongside the existing F1 Clienti programme. This enables 499P Modificata owners to participate in a number of events on international tracks every year, with Ferrari taking care of logistics, track-side assistance and maintenance.

The 499P Modificata’s hybrid powertrain combines a mid-rear mounted internal combustion V6 with an electric motor on the front axle. The system can deliver a maximum power output of 640 kW (870 cv), unhampered as it is by FIA-ACO regulations.

The powertrain is equipped with a 200 kW (272 cv) electric motor with a differential and an Energy Recovery System (ERS) which recharges the battery during deceleration and braking. The 800 volt battery pack was developed using the company’s Formula 1 experience. The power unit is coupled to a seven-speed sequential gearbox.

Due for release on the 25th December is Michael Mann’s biopic FERRARI. Adam Driver stars as Enzo Ferrari in the film about the Italian innovator and the 1957 race that almost ended his auto empire. Penélope Cruz plays Ferrari’s wife Laura, and Shailene Woodley is Lina Lardi, his mistress and the mother of his son and successor, Piero.

Set during the summer of 1957, ex race car driver, Ferrari, is in crisis. Bankruptcy stalks the company he and his wife built from nothing ten years earlier. Their tempestuous marriage struggles with the mourning for one son and the acknowledgement of another. He decides to counter his losses by rolling the dice on one race – 1,000 miles across Italy, the iconic Mille Miglia.

I have only been able to view the pre release trailers for the film and it looks beautiful. Though to be fair, how difficult could it be to film Classic Ferrari’s in the Italian landscape.

No doubt Hollywoods depiction of Enzo Ferrari will have its problems. They have a habit of adding historically inaccurate scenes for dramatic effect. But as a piece of entertaining filming I am sure it will find its market and if you are unsure about it’s accuracy, perhaps it will encourage film goers to invest in more accurate books.

This is a Sky Original release so hopefully you will be able to watch it as part of your Sky subscription.

Finding a classic car specialist to work on your pride and joy is a tricky task. Like many other businesses there are excellent companies and charlatans. So how do you find a business that offers the right expertise at the right price.

I always start by drawing up a shortlist of businesses from personal recommendations, specialist web sites and clubs. Ideally I would want them to be reasonably local so that I can visit regularly, have experience of the work I need and the marque that I own.

Next step is to check out their websites. On their website I would like to see an explanation of the type of work they do, project examples from start to finish and testimonials from clients.

I would then contact all the companies via the website with a query and see who comes back and how quickly they respond. If they can’t answer a simple query in a reasonable time from some one bringing business to them, then how quickly will they respond when they have your car in their workshop.

Of course not every business has a website, and not everyone needs to promote their business via the internet. So I wouldn’t exclude someone simply because they don’t have an effective website – if there is a compelling reason to use them.

Classic Car Lab is a Yorkshire based restoration business specialising in classic, sports and prestige cars. They have a full range of in house mechanical and bodywork services and have just updated their web site to include additional services.

Having been restoring classic cars for nearly 20 years in Otley, Yorkshire they are now embracing the internet to display their skills. Their new site includes a number of projects examples and current projects will be uploaded weekly to show progress. Many of the techniques used will also be shown on a youtube channel with video’s explaining the classic car restoration process in various disciplines, ie engine work, respray, restorations etc.

For owners of modern performance and luxury cars they have launched Sports Car Lab as a result of classic car clients asking them to look after their modern cars.

If you have a moment, take a look at their site. They certainly have an interesting range of projects and some very rare cars.

My final bit of advice. Pop round to the specialist, look round the premises, chat with the owner/manager and see if they are the kind of company you could do business with. And do the premises and projects reflect their web site? A company using library pictures is to be avoided.

Classic car restoration specialists 
https://classiccarlab.com

Sports Car Lab

https://classiccarlab.com/services/sports-car-lab/

Projects

https://classiccarlab.com/restoration-projects/

The Historic Sports Car Club has taken the wraps off its provisional 2024 race calendar.

Heading into the Club’s 57th season, the HSCC will run a range of race meetings at prime UK circuits for its members competing in a diverse portfolio of championships and series.

As ever, the HSCC caters for a fantastic array of period machinery, ranging from sports and GT cars of the 1960s through single-seaters and right up to its new series of Touring Car Legends for Group 2 and Group A touring cars from up to the 1990s.

As before, the HSCC is proud to be the race organising club for the Silverstone Festival at the end of August and will continue to play a significant role in this fantastic celebration of period race cars. Similarly, the HSCC will be the race organising club for the Oulton Park Gold Cup at the end of July when several HSCC categories will feature on the bill. At the end of the season, the HSCC will be the organising club for the annual Walter Hayes Trophy.

The season starts, as before, at Snetterton in East Anglia in April before switching to Cadwell Park in May. In early June, a very popular two-day event will run at Donington and then in mid-July, the HSCC will be at Brands Hatch on the fantastic Grand Prix circuit for the Legends of Brands Super Prix. The Croft Historic Race Weekend moves forward into August to give a better spread of dates in the busy calendar and the season then concludes at Silverstone for the traditional Finals Meeting in mid-October. In addition to its own race meetings, the HSCC is likely to play a role in providing races for several other events, including the Thruxton Historic in June and the Castle Combe Autumn Classic in September.

“We’re very pleased to unveil our 2024 race calendar,” said CEO Andy Dee Crowne. “We’ve listened to our racing members and have endeavoured to provide the dates and the venues that they want, with a well-spaced calendar.”

2024 HSCC provisional calendar:

20-21 April             Snetterton

18-19 May              Cadwell Park

8-9 June                 Donington Park

13-14 July              Brands Hatch GP

28-30 July              Oulton Park Gold Cup

10-11 August          Croft

23-25 August          Silverstone Festival

12-13 October        Silverstone National

2-3 November         Silverstone Walter Hayes Trophy

For more details about the HSCC, please visit www.hscc.org.uk .

Classic Yorkshire is delighted that Footman James has officially announced that the UK’s Classic Capital is The Motorist, North. The Yorkshire-based venue has been chosen as the best place in the country to celebrate all aspects of classic car and motorbike ownership.

CY readers voted to help The Motorist triumph over four other locations, each picked by the classic vehicle community as venues and locations of the UK that help make vehicle ownership so enjoyable. Proving that you don’t have to be in the South of England to enjoy your classic.

Beating Bicester Heritage, Coleshill Auto Breakfast, Goodwood Motor Circuit, and Re:Fuel, The Motorist gathered 39% of the public vote and combined with the decision of the FJ judges, it is the winner of the Footman James Classic Capital competition.

Based in Sherburn in Elmet near Leeds, The Motorist has rapidly grown into one of the most popular automotive venues in the north of England since its launch a few years ago. Featuring an on-site café, The Arnage restaurant, and a garage & bodyshop, The Motorist is open all year round, but also hosts themed shows and meets each week.

Voters commented on The Motorist’s “great atmosphere”, saying it is a “true petrolhead’s dream and delight”. With a focus on welcoming visitors no matter what sort of vehicle – classic or modern – they favour, praise was given for its facilities and space.

Yorkshire has a strong and growing classic car scene as reported on by Footman James partner, The Classic Valuer. The Classic Valuer’s platform allows you to see price guides for classic cars in one handy place, combining the sales data from across the years you can see the value of a specific classic, browse the latest auction results and more.

In 2023, the most valuable classic to be sold publicly was a 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 ‘Flat Floor’ 3.8 FHC, for more than £304,000. Other models sold include a 2004 BMW M3 CSL (E46) for just under £100,000, and a 1989 Ferrari Testarossa for more than £87,500.

Analysis of Footman James policies shows that the most popular classic car in Yorkshire is the MGB. Followed closely by the Morris Minor and Land Rover 88. Other popular cars range from classic Minis to Porsche 911s. 

“We are delighted to have been recognised and to have won this fantastic award, voted for by car enthusiasts, our wonderful visitors and guests,” said Alec Howarth, Managing Director at The Motorist.

“We are excited over the journey we are taking together and this accolade really does spur us on, filling all the team at The Motorist with great pride and thanks. Thank you to Footman James, Classic Capital, the judges and to all those that took time to vote for us as we represent Yorkshire in this competition, your support is greatly appreciated.”

Charlotte Moseley, Head of Marketing at FJ commented: “Footman James is thrilled that The Motorist has been crowned the UK’s Classic Capital. Each of the finalists would have been a worthy winner so the competition was strong, but the strength of support from enthusiasts for The Motorist and Yorkshire was outstanding.

If you’d like to find out more about The Motorist, please visit: themotorist.com

On 30 October 1963, the Turin Motor Show – then one of the biggest motoring events in the world – opened the doors to its 45^th event. At the Maserati stand, the Quattroporte made its debut.

The first-generation Quattroporte was a pioneer, featuring a roaring 8-cylinder racing-derived engine which was enhanced by a dynamic yet elegant design and a refined interior.

Positioned over the years as a “living room on the move,” or a “limousine with a racing spirit,” the initial version could reach 230 km/h. A majestic car with extremely welcoming spaces and regal allure, Quattroporte has always been accustomed to the limelight and was destined to generate a fortunate lineage of cars that can still surprise to this day. 

While the second-generation Quattroporte was a more daring and less memorable attempt, the Quattroporte III – in the hands of De Tomaso – marked a resounding success; followed by a new challenge that was fully overcome toward the end of the intense 1990s; then by a model that severed ties with the past while remaining faithful to its winning formula as did the multi-award-winning 2003 generation, and that – with the sixth-generation – has taken to the stage once again in its most modern version years later.

In the garages of the most discerning motorists, of kings and princes, in the background of memorable films (having been featured in more than 60 productions), photographed on red carpets or accompanying the highest-ranking officials at events, and beloved by the most significant VIPs in numerous industries, Quattroporte was a mainstay of the automotive landscape in the 20^th century and remains so in the new millennium. Sixty years later and after travelling innumerable miles, it continues its journey as an undisputed star of its times.

Car & Classic, Europe’s largest online marketplace for classic and niche vehicles is set to offer a beloved 1972 Fiat 500 Jolly evocation, currently owned by British Formula 1 superstar Lando Norris.

Norris’ car is an evocation of the famous ‘Jolly’ variant of the classic Fiat 500. World-renowned Italian styling house Ghia built only an estimated 650 original Jollys, meaning they are rare and survivors are highly prized. The Jolly’s rarity combined with its desirability has resulted in many original Fiat 500s being converted to the doorless, open-air configuration, with iconic wicker seats and canopy roof.

The light blue ‘gelato’ paint colour is in fantastic condition inside and out and is complimented by whitewall tyres. The light exterior is contrasted by the browns of the high-quality caramel carpet and the famed, sand-friendly wicker seats. Mounted on the rear of the car is a handy wicker storage box, which when combined with the matching storage cubby mounted centrally under the dashboard, makes for some period-appropriate improvements to the diminutive Fiat’s practicality. That dashboard features the desirable Fiat 500 round Veglia dial, the icing on the cake for this stylish and charming Mediterranean runaround.

Like Lando’s other famous vehicle, the engine can be found behind the driver, but rather than a >1000bhp Mercedes-AMG HPP 1.6-litre V6 hybrid, the Jolly is powered by a 499cc air-cooled Fiat engine paired with a four-speed manual ‘box, half the gears Norris has to deal with at the day job. The Fiat Jolly has Lando Norris’ purchase invoice on file and its historic status makes it tax-free, ULEZ compliant, and MOT exempt.

The Jolly is being sold during a great run of form for its owner; Norris has enjoyed six podiums so far this year for his resurgent McLaren team and is currently on a streak of four in a row as he heads to Mexico for this weekend’s race at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. Last Sunday, the Brit secured P2 at the US Grand Prix, where he was also voted ‘Driver of the Day’. Norris is one of the most popular drivers on the F1 grid.

“Cars with famous former owners are popular on Car & Classic, but taking one off the hands of a current F1 driver, especially one in a rich vein of form, is a rare opportunity,” says Car & Classic head of editorial Dale Vinten. “Lando Norris has proven he knows the optimal way to get around the streets of Monte Carlo in a McLaren, and his beloved Jolly proves he knows how to do the same when he’s off-duty too”.

As the outdoor show season comes to a close in the UK, we need to look to sunnier climes for our fix. Unfortunately this is just a virtual visit as I can think of nothing better than jetting off to Italy for classic cars, Italian cuisine and some fine beers and wines.

At the Varignana, October 2023 – A 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 S Berlinetta Touring, owned by Corrado and Elena Lopresto was awarded the prestigious ‘Best of Show’ accolade at the inaugural Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705 event at the Palazzo di Varignana in Bologna, Italy. 

The judges noted that the 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 S Berlinetta Touring stood out for its peerless design, rich history, and a meticulous restoration that allows admirers to behold the car in pristine condition – complete with its original registration document and license plate, revealing former illustrious owners such as Prince Caetani.

The Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 S Berlinetta Touring also claimed the top spot in the “Pre-war Elegance,” class, sharing the limelight with other exceptional winners. Noteworthy among them is the 1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 SS, driven by Luca Patron, triumphing in the “Heroic Races” class – a vehicle believed to be one of the last four Alfa Romeos crafted by English coachbuilder James Young.

In the “Italian Fine Gems” class, the spotlight shone on a stunning 1950 FIAT 1100 E Vistotal by Silvia Nicolis, hailing from the Nicolis Museum in Verona. This bespoke creation by Carrozzeria Castagna of Milan, held intricate details such as a transparent plexiglass steering wheel and the “Vistotal” panoramic windshield, which exemplified 1930s style.

The “Great Class Sports Car” trophy was claimed by Andrea Baroni’s 1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso, surpassing rivals with its allure and elegance.

In the category of “Grit & Style”, the 1955 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider owned by Gianmarco Rossi stood out, distinguished by a rare Pininfarina hard top and Resinflex interior.

Lastly, Lorenzo Matteucci’s 1972 BMW 3.0 CSL triumphed in the “German Icons” category, noted as a potent racing car which has been impeccably preserved and easily distinguishable due its unique “inca orange” paint.

In recognition of this ethos, a special prize, the “Spirit of Varignana”, was created and awarded to Alessandro Maccaferri’s 1993 Porsche 964 Speedster, as it best embodied the unique character inspired by the Palazzo di Varignana and reflected the lifestyle it represents.