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•  Aston Martin Works Hosts Bonhams sale At Newport Pagnell
  The first event to be held at Aston Martin Works in Newport Pagnell since its refurbishment following a major investment programme, was the annual Bonhams Aston Martin sale. The sale, attended by 2,000 bidders and enthusiasts, achieved a record total, with 47 cars and associated automobilia sold for in excess of £6.5 million.
  
  On Saturday 19th May Bonhams came to Aston Martin Works for the 13th annual auction of heritage Aston Martin cars and associated automobilia. Over 200 lots including a fascinating selection of historical documents, parts and other automotive memorabilia and 47 Aston Martin cars came under the hammer.
•  Ferrari Spectacular at Laguna Seca
  This weekend, the Laguna Seca circuit in California hosted the third Ferrari Racing Days of the year, the event that brings together on track all the main areas of activity of the Maranello marque's Corse Clienti department. The busy programme included free practice sessions for drivers taking part in the XX and historic F1 programmes as they tackled this thrilling track that was the perfect backdrop for them to experience driving at speed in a safe environment, as well as benefiting from the support of professional racing drivers such as Marc Gene, who was there as a tutor. Also on track at Laguna Seca the twenty eight drivers entered in the third round of the Ferrari Challenge North America tackling free practice and the first round of races at the wheel of their 458 Challenge cars.
•  First Audi overall victory in the Nürburgring 24 Hours
  Erratic weather, an extreme pace, tough competition, bitter setbacks and a great triumph: Audi emerged from a genuine emotional roller-coaster ride as victor of the Nürburgring 24 Hours. In the 40th running of the Eifel classic the brand recorded its first overall victory with the new Audi R8 LMS ultra. The German driver quartet Marc Basseng/Christopher Haase/Frank Stippler/Markus Winkelhock shared driving duties in the car entered by Audi Sport Team Phoenix. Christian Abt/Michael Ammermüller/Armin Hahne/Christian Mamerow from Team Mamerow Racing completed the one-two success.
•  Floral inspiration for Life Ball MINI 2012, designed by Franca Sozzani
  A special car to befit a special occasion: Franca Sozzani, chief editor of Italian VOGÚE, has designed and presented her very own MINI model exclusively to mark the 20th anniversary of the charity event. The model in question is a MINI Roadster, the first open-top two-seater in the brand's history. The one-off creation, which went under the auctioneer's hammer at the AIDS Solidarity Gala and raised a donation total of 54,000 euros for HIV projects, left the audience of around 43,000 in no doubt: this is set to be a sporty, feminine summer. Franca Sozzani decorated the roof of the 184 hp MINI Roadster – which has a top speed of 227 km/h (141 mph) – in a stylishly intricate floral design which, in combination wîth very 'of the moment' Deepest Purple matt paintwork and gold hallmark MINI rally stripes, produced an impressively complete work of art. Inside the car, lavishly printed leather for the instruments and brass-coloured touches on the circular elements add the icing on the cake. The most influential woman in the Italian fashion scene, herself an avid MINI driver, gave her creativity free reign in the design of the special one-off model. 'The concept behind the MINI customisation is inspired by the beautiful and elegant women who in the past used to wear a scarf draped around their head when driving a convertible,' says Sozzani, citing her inspiration. And, as the ÚN Goodwill Ambassador for Fashion 4 Development adds: 'Flowers are a symbol of joy and life. And the Life Ball is always fighting for life and joy.'
•  Williams FW06
  One of the favorite teams up and down the paddock, Williams Grand Prix Engineering would get its start literally through a lot of hard work, sweat and even some tears. And while the team has become one of the most successful in Formula One history its start would be less than spectacular. But that would all begin to change when Sir Frank Williams and Patrick Head rejoined forces and developed the FW06.
  
  Though he was the son of a Royal Air Force officer, having a job as a traveling grocery salesman was not about to be able to fully fund a career in racing. Still, Frank Williams would do his best as motor racing was a great passion of his. Unfortunately, by the end of 1966 he had come to realize that his talents didn't necessarily lie in being a driver. Therefore, he focused on starting a second-hand car and parts business.
•  The Edo Competition C 63 AMG
  Restraint is not necessarily one of the virtues that edo competition claims for itself. That quickly becomes clear when lòòking at this version of the current generation AMG C-Class.
  
  Designed specifically for the high-revving engine in the Mercedes C 63 AMG, edo competition is offering a power kit that's in a class of its own. It consists of a new high-performance exhaust system, exhaust headers, high-flow catalytic converters, new air filters, revised engine electronics and a removal of the top speed governor. The result is an enormous power increase from the stock output of 457 horsepower / 336 kW to 600 horsepower / 441 kW. At the same time the torque output growns from 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) to 680 Nm (501 lb-ft). As will all engine modications done by edo competition, a dynamometer is used to carry out the tuning work, and the actual output is documented accurately.
•  The Peugeot 908 V-12 HDi FAP Le Mans Racing Car
  Heading into the 2007 24 Hours of Le Mans there was a renewed sense of excitement and anticipation surrounding the endurance classic. The previous year had seen the new turbo-diesel developed by Audi Sport dominate the competition to take the overall victory in its maiden attempt. The reason for the excitement was simple: Peugeot was back and it was coming back with a powerful diesel of its own. Audi had a challenger and it came in the form of the 908 HDi FAP.
  
  Originally conceived in 2005, the 908 project would start rather quietly despite Bruno Famin coming to the team becoming the Technical Director of the program. Besides Famin, Paolo Catone and Guillaume Cattelani would also join the team to begin the process of laying the groundwork for Peugeot's expected return to Le Mans in 2007.
•  1954 Maserati 250F by Cameron Millar
  When it comes to the 1950s there are only a few cars that immediately come to mind as greats in single-seater grand prix racing. And while there would be others that would be more successful perhaps none of those truly evoke the images, the sensory perception, the drama and the romance surrounding Formula One better than the elegant and simple Maserati 250F.
  
  Undoubtedly one of the most elegant Formula One cars of all time, the 250F would live on in the memory of many Formula One fans forever remembered for those images of Juan Manuel Fangio putting it through its paces walking it sideways through corner after corner. A true performer, it made its living on the edge and made living on the edge seem so easy and tedious.
•  New Design Features Redefine The Class-Leading Appeal Of The Range Rover Sport For 2013
  For 2013, the Range Rover Sport consolidates its position as the most dynamic and luxurious sports tourer in its class wîth fresh new colours and a greater choice of interior trim and alloy wheel designs.
  
  'The Range Rover Sport was substantially revised in 2011 wîth major powertrain enhancements and raised equipment levels to reinforce its outstanding breadth of capability. This year we're going one step further, offering even more choice wîth some great new colour combinations and detail improvements to redefine the Range Rover Sport's class-leading levels of comfort and customer appeal,' says John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director.
•  The Abarth 695 Maserati Edition Debuts at the Mille Miglia 2012
  The Abarth 695 Maserati Edition, the new limited edition of only 499 vehicles to be sold mainly in European markets, will make its public debut on the occasion of the thirtieth anniversary of the Mille Miglia, which Enzo Ferrari called 'the most beautiful race in the world.' Displayed at Piazza della Loggia in Brescia, in the midst of the collectors' automotive jewels and 'luxury cars' of today, this glamorous car represents the bond between Abarth and Maserati and is based on a host of shared values, including attention to detail, elegance and a passion for performance and sport.
•  The Ferrari 225 Sport
  Throughout the early 1950s Ferrari would produce a number of sports-racers chassis that would be well and truly mere variations on a theme. But the factory had struck a chord with its public and only found it necessary to introduce slight variations in order to maintain its competitive edge. Still, each evolution or variation would have its own soul, so to say, and would take on an existence all its own. Once such variation would be the 225 Sport Spyder 'Tuboscocca', one of which would be made available at the RM Auctions event in Monaco.
  
  Chassis 0192ET would be just one of a number of special Ferrari sports-racers to be presented at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco. However, like all the others, this unassuming exceedingly rare 225 Sport Spyder would have a story all its own that would make the most ardent of collectors proud.
•  The Ferrari 625 TRC
  For all of the profound and flowery expressions and descriptions ever given in automotive design, quality and performance the phrase 'rare beauty' is perhaps used rather flippantly causing the true depth and meaning of the phrase to be cheapened. However, perhaps only the 1957 Ferrari 625 TRC Spider would be able to give the full meaning of the phrase its true and intended value.
  
  The car has everything. The car currently has a V12 engine that still gives it that distinctive Testa Rossa sound that any purist would be able to immediately recognize and it has the elegant body-styling that made the 500 TRC considered 'one of the prettiest Ferraris built'. However, it has one important difference that causes this particular model to be listed in a class all its own. The difference would be the fact the 625 TRC had been produced and came with a 2.5-liter version of the inline 4-cylinder engine compared to the 2.0-liter used in the more well known 500 TRC. As a result, the 'rare' definition would certainly be applicable as only two 625 TRCs would ever be produced. And one of those two would be up for auction at RM Auctions' event at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco in May of 2012.
•  Early Supercharged Automobiles Will Be Featured at 2012 Glenmoor Gathering
  One of the highlighted features of the 2012 Gathering will be early supercharged automobiles. Here's a special example—a 1929 Stutz type MC with custom coachwork by Lancefield. This one-of-a-kind Stutz is owned by noted collector Richard Mitchell of Montgomery, Texas. Among the famous marques equipped with superchargers were American automobiles such as Auburn, Cord, Graham and Duesenberg as well as foreign makes such as Bentley, Mercedes-Benz and Alfa-Romeo.
  
  In all, more than 200 vintage and classic American and European automobiles and motorcyles will be on the show field. There will be a display of Allard automobiles, 'micro cars,' steam-powered cars and 'The Trans Atlantics'—automobiles with European and U. K. coachwork and American engines.
•  Ferrari 375 MM
  Ferrari had found a contender when it had developed its 340. Using its 4.1-liter engine, the 340 would make Ferrari very competitive in the sportscar market and in sportscar races. However, Aurelio Lampredi wouldn't sit idle and wouldn't settle for competitive. He wanted a car that could take Ferrari to a whole new level. This would give rise to the 375MM.
  
  Lampredi's work with Ferrari's Formula One program had led him to produce a 4.5-liter V12 engine that was capable of producing 340 bhp. This engine would be used to great effect during the 1951 Formula One World Championship and would see Scuderia Ferrari well and truly take over as the dominant team in Formula One despite Juan Manuel Fangio winning the World Championship in an Alfa Romeo 158.
•  Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion to Celebrate the Life of Carroll Shelby
  A war veteran who flew B-29s, an oil roughneck, a chicken farmer…Carroll Shelby was a man of diverse talents. But he will forever be remembered as an automotive icon who transformed sports car racing and brought American pride to the international motorsports stage.
  
  This year's Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, August 17-19, celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Shelby Cobra. But the featured marque honor becomes more poignant with the recent passing of the man who was simply known to friends as 'Shel.'
•  The 1950 Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Sport
  At four in the afternoon on the 25th of June in 1950 the Talbot-Lago of Louis Rosier and Jean-Louis Rosier would come powering its way across the finish line to take the victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This would be a monumental moment in Le Mans history as it would be the first time (and only to date) in which a father and son combination would go on to take the overall victory in the classic enduro. The car that would carry them to victory and motor racing legend would be the Talbot-Lago T26GS.
  
  By the mid-thirties, the consortium of Sunbeam-Talbot-Darracq was collapsing. Anthony Lago, an engineer from Venice would end up purchasing Talbot and would set about restructuring the company. The company would become known as Talbot-Lago from then on and its reputation for producing powerful production and racing cars would also change right along with it.
•  Porsche 918 Spyder prototypes begin testing
  The Porsche 918 Spyder is on the road: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, has taken the driving trials of the super sports car of the future a step further wîth completion of the initial prototypes. The 918 Spyder is planned for production at the end of September 2013, with the first customer deliveries currently scheduled for the Únited States late in 2013. 'What we are doing wîth the 918 Spyder is redefining driving fun, efficiency and performance,' said Wolfgang Hatz, Member of the Executive Board Research and Development of Porsche AG.
•  2012 Keeneland Concours d'Elegance Features Packard Automobiles
  The 9th annual Keeneland Concours d'Elegance will once again bring more than 150 classic and collector automobiles and motorcycles to the grounds of the historic Keeneland Race Course on Saturday, July 21, 2012.
  
  This year's featured marque is Packard, and collectors from across the country will compete for trophies in 18 classes of classic, vintage and exotic autos and motorcycles. Packard autos will be divided into pre-war and post-war classes. Other featured classes include the Motorcycle Preservation Class and the Racing Class with historic NASCAR racers.
•  8th Grand Prix de Monaco Historique
  The annual Monaco Grand Prix Formula One event, held on the Circuit de Monaco, began in 1929 and has become one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world. The narrow streets of Monaco serve as the temporary 2.075 mile track, featuring tight corners, elevation changes, and even a tunnel. Today, drivers still navigate the uphill climb to Casino Square, before turning down to Mirabeau and the Loews Hairpin, before entering the famous tunnel that runs into the harbor-side chicane, a notorious spot for accidents. From there, drivers sprint past many of the harbor's large yachts toward La Piscine and the swimming pool that the corner is named after. This is followed by a quick right turn into La Rascasse before a run down into the Boulevard Albert and to the finish line.
•  Big on performance, small in number: The MINI John Cooper Works GP
  Only once has there been anything like it, but even that wasn't as quick. With the MINI John Cooper Works GP, the British premium brand has come up wîth another car of exceptional talent designed to deliver extreme performance on both the race track and the road. The sportiest road-registered MINI ever made will go on sale later this year in a limited run of 2,000 cars. It is currently completing a programme of testing in preparation for series production, part of which has involved setting an impressive fastest lap of the Nürburgring's Nordschleife circuit. The MINI John Cooper Works GP lapped the erstwhile Grand Prix course in 8 min. 23 sec. In so doing, the new model has put clear asphalt between itself and numerous sports cars from loftier perches – and beaten the lap time set by its predecessor, the MINI Cooper S wîth John Cooper Works GP Kit, by almost 19 seconds.
•  Inaugural Concours d'Elegance of Texas deemed a massive success
  Last weekend, the award winning La Torretta Lake Resort & Spa in Montgomery played host to the biggest and most prestigious classic car weekend in Texas, welcoming thousands of visitors through its gates for the inaugural Concours d'Elegance of Texas, a highlight of The Houston Classic Weekend. Concours organizers had promised a spectacular gathering of world class cars at a world class venue, and they definitely delivered, assembling a superb selection of rare and exotic motorcars, historic military machinery, sports and racecars, antique motorcycles, vintage tractors, and even the odd stagecoach, all displayed in a beautiful golf course lakeside setting. The first Texas Tour d'Elegance got the weekend off to a racing start on Friday May 4th, as Concours participants took to the open road on a 50-mile scenic tour of the local area, stopping for a distinctly Texas style lunch at the unique Thomas Ranch, with a Cocktail reception later that evening. Event partners, Worldwide Auctioneers, presented their 11th annual The Houston Classic Auction on Saturday, May 5th, packing the Versailles Ballroom at La Torretta with bidders and enthusiasts from across the country and further afield. 120 hand-selected motorcars went under the hammer, with 85% finding new homes over the course of an action-packed, six-hour sale.
•  RM Auctions Achieves More Than €33.5 Million in Sales at Monaco
  RM Auctions, the world's largest collector car auction house for investment-quality automobiles, continued its record-breaking sales run in Europe this past weekend, generating a spectacular €33,521,710 in sales* ($43,410,615 million USD**) with 86 percent of all lots sold at its biennial Monaco sale at the Grimaldi Forum.
  
  Held during the same weekend as the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, the two-day auction presented a magnificent collection of more than 90 blue-chip automobiles, 100 Ducati motorcycles and three boats. As many as ten motor cars achieved individual prices exceeding €1 million, with four lots surpassing €2 million. In addition, the sale boasted several new all-time records for a number of specific cars and motorcycles sold at a public sale.
•  The Shelby Mustang
  The Shelby GT350, a high-powered performance version of the 1964 1/2 and 1965 Mustang, was created to qualify for SCCA/B production competition, by a process called 'homologation.' Shelby American produced 100 cars by February 1965, thus enabling the vehicles to compete in the 1965 season. There were only 522 cars to roll out of Carroll Shelby's Venice, California plant.
•  RM Secures One-Of-A-Kind Ferrari and Talbot-Lago For its Monterey sale
  RM Auctions, the world's largest collector car auction house for investment-quality automobiles, is delighted to announce two new headline attractions for its highly anticipated Monterey, California sale, August 17–18: a spectacular 1955 Ferrari 410 Sport Berlinetta and a flawless 1938 Talbot-Lago T23 Teardrop Coupe.
  
  On display at the company's sale in Monaco this week (May 11–12), both automobiles represent the pinnacle of exclusivity and style. The extraordinarily rare 410 S, chassis 0594 CM, is the only example built with a closed body, while the stunning Talbot-Lago, chassis 93064, is the sole Jeancart-style Teardrop originally built upon a four-liter T23 chassis. Carefully handpicked from around the world by RM specialists, these latest multi-million-dollar consignments join a peerless group of 120 blue-chip automobiles slated for the sale, including the previously announced Pebble Beach 'Best of Show' winning 1938 Horch 853A Erdmann & Rossi Sport Cabriolet.
•  The Lotus Fifteen
  The Lotus Type 15 Sports-Racing Two-Seater were the replacement for the successful Lotus Eleven, the 1100-1500cc model which had established designer Colin Chapman's Lotus Engineering Company Ltd. as a major competitor of customer production competition cars. After around 150 examples of the Series 1 Type Elevens were produced, a Series 2 version was introduced in the spring of 1957. Production ended a year later, with around 270 Lotus Elevens completed. Their success was in their design and engineering. They had a lightweight yet rigid multi-tubular space-frame chassis designed by Chapman and given an aerodynamic body styled by De Havilland Aeroplane Company aerodynamicist Frank Costin. In 1958, the Type 15 was introduced as an uprated sports-racing car, wearing similar Costin bodywork, but strengthened to cope with the increased horsepower and torque of the Coventry Climax FPF 4-cylidner engines. Around 27 examples of the Lotus 15s were manufactured from 1958-59.
•  The Cooper Bobtail
  During the years of 1954 through 1957 the Cooper Car Company in Surbiton, England designed and constructed a new series of rear-engine sports racers designated the 'Cooper Bobtail.' The early cars (Type 39 of 1954 and 1955) were equipped with alloy bodies and Coventry Climax FWA (1100cc) engines. These cars shared some components with the early Formula III cars, such as the 15-inch artillery style wheel with integral brake drums, cross leaf springs suspension, and driver seated on the centerline. Other advance features included the radiator air exiting from the top of the car as well as the bottom and the body with a chopped tail. These features contributed to the high-speed stability of the design. Later the cars were equipped with Coventry Climax FWB (1500cc) engines and one was built with a 2-liter Bristol engine.
•  All-New Toyota RAV4 EV Unveiled at EVS26
  Toyota Motor Sales, Ú.S.A., Inc. today revealed the highly anticipated all-new Toyota RAV4 EV at the 26th annual Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles. This all-electric SÚV has an expected driving range rating of approximately 100 miles and charging time of approximately six hours on a 240V/40A charger. The RAV4 EV's driving performance, dynamics and cargo capacity are equal to or exceed the gas powered RAV4 V6. Arriving fully-equipped wîth an MSRP of $49,800 the RAV4 EV doesn't compromise on performance, comfort or versatility.
  
  'It's all about blending the best of two worlds,' said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager of the Toyota division. 'The all-new RAV4 EV marries the efficiency of an EV wîth the versatility of a small SÚV – in fact, it is the only all-electric SÚV on the market.'
  The RAV4 EV is the product of a unique collaboration wîth Tesla Motors spurred by Akio Toyoda, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Corporation. Twenty-two months after the project announcement, Toyota and Tesla engineers have succeeded in bringing an outstanding product to market in record time.
•  Talbot-Lago T-26C Grand Prix
  Ex-military Major Tony ('Antoine' and 'Antonio') Lago spent most of his professional life within the motor industry. He had produced 'LAP' overhead valve engine conversion in London, England during the 1920s. He then moved on to the Wilson Self-Changing Gear company where he aided in the manufacturing of semi-automatic pre-selector gearboxes. He later became an executive of the Franco-British Sunbeam-Talbot-Darracq (S-T-D) combine.
  
  This large manufacturing group collapsed in the post-Depression aftermath of 1935. Major Lago organized funding to set up SA Automobiles Talbot in the S-T-D factories at Suresnes, Paris, France.
  
  Marjor Lago was a strong proponent of racing, especially for promotion of the up-market cars. The companies' ex-Fiat engineer Walter Becchia designed a 4-liter six-cylinder overhead-valve sports car which in 1937 won the French, Tunis and Marseilles Grand Prix races, and also dominated the British RAC Tourist Trophy at Donington Park.
•  1957 Italian Grand Prix: A True Nobleman Stands Amongst Two of F1's Most Noble
  The sea of spectators overwhelming the circuit would be a truly awe-inspiring sight to behold. The vast majority of this horde was there to celebrate the car adorned in red finishing in the top three. The car's driver, a true royal, would stand amongst the crowd as if standing amongst adoring and loving subjects. For the first time in his career, Wolfgang von Trips would be able to count himself amongst the elite of Formula One.
  
  Wolfgang von Trips had been born into a noble German family in 1929. He would grow up in a large castle on extensive grounds. However, he would also grow up within earshot of the mighty Nurburgring and would be an impressionable young man at the time of the mighty Silver Arrows of Auto Union and Mercedes-Benz
•  1961 Targa Florio: Porsche Dominance, Ferrari Victorious
  The first race held on the island of Sicily that included an automobile would take place between the car, a bicycle and a horse. Although the gentleman on the bicycle would drop out rather early due to leg cramps constantly going up and down on the mountainous roads, the battle between the de Dion motor tricycle and the horse would be an intriguing one. In the end, the same principles that played out in that first race would come into play many years later when the island hosted the 1961 Targa Florio.
  
  Vincenzo Florio would lose the race with the horse but it would not stop him from thinking about a career in motor racing. Being a wealthy man himself, Florio would attract Fiat's Felice Nazzaro to remain with Florio to not only look after his growing number of automobiles, but also, to prepare racing cars for him to race.
•  2012 Spanish Grand Prix - Preview
  Formula One's European season starts next week with the Spanish Grand Prix taking place at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona. A familiar testing venue, the 4.655 km circuit plays host to Round Five of the 2012 World Championship.
  
  • The race has been won from pole in nine of the last 10 years; the exception was 2011, when Vettel won from P2
  
  • At 730 metres, the run from the start-finish line to the apex of the first corner is the longest of the season
  
  • Spain was one of just two races won on a four-stop strategy last season; the other was the Turkish Grand Prix
•  Camaro ZL1 Joins the 11-second Club
  The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is officially in the '11-second' club, as engineers recently turned an 11.93-second/116-mph quarter-mile elapsed time run in a showroom-stock Camaro ZL1 automatic. A Camaro ZL1 manual ran an 11.96-second ET at 117 mph.
  
  Only a few other production vehicles can run the quarter-mile as quickly as the ZL1. Fewer yet can also run 0-60 in 4 seconds, reach a top speed of 184 mph and lap the famous Nürburgring in 7:41.27 – all with the street-legal, factory-issued components and no time-consuming equipment adjustments at the racetrack.
•  Cyclops II Wows Amelia Island Concours D'Elegance Biggest Crowd
  The smell of overheated olive oil and scorched Cinzano filled the air as Cyclops enthusiasts of the rare Italian breed flocked to the 17th annual Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance last March to see, in person and up close one, of 2-1/2 surviving, running examples from the famed house of Automobili Cyclops SpA. The mighty V-1 engined Cyclops II is the latest of the noble Italian breed that has charmed and inspired, confused and bewildered American enthusiasts, car buyers and customs officials since 1957.
  
  Cyclops won no cup, trophy or ribbon at the 17th annual Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance but it did draw the most attention on the Concours field strewn wîth significant competition machines and multi-million dollar collector cars. The 1957 Cyclops II is the rarest automobile ever displayed at The Amelia.
•  Ferrari 156
  There are many iconic Ferrari automobiles. However, within the manufacturer's extensive Formula One history there are but a few that are immediately recognizable. And among those few perhaps none are more recognizable and linked to Ferrari than the famous 156 'Sharknose'. However, the legend of the 'Sharknose' would actually begin in 1960 in Formula 2.
  
  The mid-engine revolution had come to Formula One toward the end of the 1950s. Then, in 1960, Ferrari still didn't have an answer for the small and nimble Coopers with their mid-engines and Jack Brabham at the wheel. Ferrari's drivers, Phil Hill, Willy Mairesse and Richie Ginther would all have to make due with an evolved front-engine 246 F1 Dino. And on the tight and twisty circuits the advantages of the Cooper mid-engine would be more than apparent as the three Ferrari drivers would routinely struggle. However, Hill would uphold Ferrari's honor at the final race of the season, the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. The circuit favored power over handling and Hill was able to propel his way to victory.
•  Lancia-Ferrari 801
  By the time of the 1957 Formula One World Championship season Ferrari was certainly struggling. While the Maserati 250F was, by then, actually older than the Lancia D50, the Lancia design seemed to struggle comparatively and had suffered every since the passing of Alberto Ascari. Still, the foundations of the car were strong. Ferrari just needed to make the right improvements and things likely would turn around.
  
  The D50 project from Lancia would be delayed and delayed throughout the 1954 season. And there was good reason for this. From nose to tail, the D50 was brand-new and employed such innovative features that made it impossible just to throw the car together.
•  Seven Ferraris in the Spa 6 Hours
  After a break of almost two months, the FIA World Endurance Championship is back in action this weekend at one of the sport's most iconic venues, the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, which is also home to the Belgian round of the F1 championship. It's not just the variable weather that makes Spa unique, it's also the track layout itself, with its climbs and drops, as it wends its way through the Ardennes forest, giving this event a special flavour.
•  Wolfgang von Trips: A Royal Lineage in Formula One
  4 May 1928 – 10 September 1961
  
  In 1961, one German of royal lineage would establish a go-kart track in the town of Kerpen. This track, in what was at the time western West Germany, would go on to produce a royal line of Formula One champions. The royal line established in 1961 would never be able to establish its founders rule over the Formula One elite, however.
  
  The go-kart circuit would end up being the location where future World Champion and race winners Michael and Ralf Schumacher first turned some laps at the start of their racing careers. This experience that would lead to his multiple World Championships would lead to Michael making a number of appearances at karting tracks around Kerpen. And during one of those visits he would shake the hand of another future World Champion Sebastian Vettel.
  
  The man that helped to directly and indirectly launch these royal careers was a royal himself. Wolfgang Alexander Albert Eduard Maximilian Reichsgraf Berghe von Trips would be born with enough names for a small village and would be born into a noble family from the Rhineland. Born in Cologne in May of 1928 to Eduard and Thessa, Wolfgang would simply be known as 'Wolfchen' (little wolf). For a brief period in his early life Wolfgang would live with his parents in Bonn. But then, in 1932, the family would move to Hemmersbach when his father inherited the castle there known by the same name.
•  Delahaye 135 MS
  This teardrop coupe is the triple-carburetor version of Delahaye's most famous model, the Type 135. The 'S' means it has triple carburetors and 135 horsepower. It has an electromagnetic transmission with four speeds, forward and reverse and the common Delahaye accessory frog hood ornament. Lagenthal, a small Swiss coachbuilder with a good reputation, supplied a convertible body on the car. The original owner complained of noise and poor rear visibility and returned the car to Lagenthal for a removable hardtop. However, the top would have been too heavy for easy removal, so it was permanently attached.
•  Geared up for new challenges: The new BMW X1
  As the first premium vehicle of its kind, the BMW X1 is a true trailblazer in the compact §egmènt. After some two-and-a-half years, sales of the compact BMW X model built at BMW Plant in Leipzig and in Tiexi, China have already exceeded 275 000 units. Now this all-round talent emerges wîth renewed vigour to meet a raft of new challenges. With its specially modified body design, meticulously upgraded interior, comprehensively revised engine portfolio, the new range of BMW Lines and further innovative equipment features, the new BMW X1 delivers an even more intensive experience of the hallmark driving pleasure for which the brand is known.
•  Project Visio.M: Electric mass mobility for urban environments
  Electric vehicles powered by electricity from renewable energy sources are an attractive option for mobility within the urban area and beyond. However, previous approaches lead to vehicles that either are too heavy and too expensive or do not meet mass-market safety requirements. Within the joint research project Visio.M scientists at the Technische Universitaet Muenchen (TUM), in cooperation with engineers from the automotive industry, will develop concepts to produce electric cars that are efficient, safe, and inexpensive. Lead manager of the project is BMW AG. The project has a total volume of 10.8 million euros and is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF).
•  The British Are Coming!
  The Rodeo Drive Committee, in conjunction with the City of Beverly Hills, have announced the 2012 theme for the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance – 'THE BRITISH ARE COMING!' Aston Martin will be this year's featured marque. Gearys Beverly Hills will be the presenting sponsor in celebration of their new Rolex store opening on Rodeo Drive in June 2012. The annual Father's Day tradition features a wide variety of vintage and racing cars and motorcycles lining Rodeo Drive north from Wilshire Boulevard to Santa Monica Boulevard Sunday, June 17 from 10 am to 4 pm.
•  Kia's Sub-Compact Duo Brings More Fuel Savings and Fun-To-Drive Character
  With class-leading horsepower1 and fuel economy2, the 2013 Rio sedan and Rio 5-door hatchback continue to infuse style, value, technology and spirited road manners into the Kia Motors America (KMA) model lineup. All-new last year, these award-winning subcompacts have played a vital role in achieving Kia's record sales and market-share growth since the launch of the Soul in 2009.
•  Mugello Test - Day One
  Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher were both in action today as the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS team began this week's test programme with the F1 W03 car at the Mugello circuit in Italy.
  
  Michael will continue at the wheel of the F1 W03 tomorrow, with Nico concluding the test on Thursday.
•  The Stutz Bearcat
  Inspired by an Indy sports car racer built by Stutz in 1911, this version Bearcat was produced from 1914 through 1917. It is powered by a 6,388 cubic-inch, four-cylinder engine. It was a lightweight at just 4,500 pounds and had a 120-inch wheelbase. It also utilized an underslung design that allowed it to be constructed lower than most vehicles.
  
  In 1915, Edward George 'Cannonball' Baker drove a Bearcat from San Diego to New York in 11 days 7 hours and 15 minutes to break the previous record.
•  1933 Packard 1006 Twelve
  Packard introduced their Twelves in 1932 in response to the cylinder war assault initiated by Cadillac among American luxury car marques. Cadillac had introduced their V8 in 1915, while most other marques were powering their vehicles predominately by huge displacement six cylinder engines. In 1916, Packard responded with the Twin-Six. The engine was replaced by the smooth running straight eight in 1924.
  
  Cadillac introduced their V12 and a V16 in 1930. Packard responded with this new V12 in 1932. In 1934 the V12's displacement was 445.5 cubic-inches offering 160 horsepower. Top speed was in the neighborhood of 100 mph although Packard advertising modestly claimed over 85 mph.
•  1933 Pierce-Arrow Model 836
  Known for its uncompromising quality, reliability and powerful motors, Pierce was one of America's finest motor cars. Pierce pioneered many innovations, one of which was integrating the headlights into the fenders.
  
  LeBaron worked with Pierce in the design of several different body styles in the early 1930's. The 1933 Club Sedan was a LeBaron body design and was the beginning of the 'sport sedan,' to be owner driven vs. chauffeur driven.
  
  This Model 836 Club Sedan was built for the 1933 Chicago World's Fair. It features a full leather interior, Stewart Warner mechanical power brakes, Startix automatic starting, and an automatic choke. It was restored by its current owner and completed in 2006. Chalk notifications under the body reinforcement plate indicate that the car was produced for a major automobile show, and with no trunk rack.
•  Concours d'Elegance of Texas Is This Weekend
  Organizers of the Concours d'Elegance of Texas are counting down to one of the state's biggest vintage motoring and luxury lifestyle events, scheduled to run from May 4-6. Visitors can look forward to a spectacular gathering of rare and exotic motorcars, historic military machinery, sports and racecars, antique motorcycles, vintage tractors, and even the odd stagecoach, promising a weekend celebration of classic motoring that offers something for the whole family. The Concours d'Elegance of Texas is on Sunday, May 6, and is held in conjunction with Worldwide Auctioneers' 11th annual Houston Classic Auction, scheduled for Saturday, May 5, when over 100 fine motorcars are slated to go under the hammer.
•  Equipe Gordini: 1954 Formula One Season
  During the first year of the Formula 2 era in the World Championship the greatest threat Ferrari would face throughout the whole of the season would come from Equipe Gordini. However, Ferrari, and Alberto Ascari, would nonetheless dominate winning every single round of the championship that year. By the start of 1954, however, Equipe Gordini would be nothing more than a faint apparition of its former self. And yet, there would still be times when the dead would arise reminding people of their presence.
  
  The biggest problem Equipe Gordini would face throughout the 1952 and 1953 seasons would be nagging unreliability. This would lead to Robert Manzon leaving the team and a number of other opportunities being washed down the drain. Heading into 1954, not all that much would change for the team. They would choose to adapt instead of prepare an all-new car. This would pose benefits, but it would also expose a weakness within the team.
•  Rare 1940 Graham Hollywood Convertible Will Emerge at St. John's
  This 1940 Graham Hollywood Convertible, the only known surviving 2-passenger convertible, has not been seen since it went into storage in 1952.In 1963 while on vacation in Yarmouth, MA, Earl Parks was walking down Willow Street towards the beach, he spied what he thought was a Cord Convertible Coupe tucked away in a garage. He called his friend, Al San Clemente, who was a collector of Cords. Al told Earl to photograph the car and get the owner's phone number. Ultimately, even though the car wasn't a Cord, Al purchased the car.