Super Concept Cars Blog

Concours d’Elegance To Feature ‘Jet-Age Station Wagons’

The Concours d’Elegance of America is pleased to announce that ‘Jet-Age Station Wagons’ will be a featured class for the 2012 Concours d’Elegance of America at St. John’s.

This special class will feature some of the most beautiful, most interesting and rarely seen American station wagons from the late 1950s and early 1960s. ‘In the world of collector cars, nothing’s hotter than the glamorous wagons of the ‘Mad Men’ era,’ says Terry Boyce, noted automotive historian and St. John’s Concours judge. ‘These finned, tri-toned wagons celebrate an era of flamboyant design and American optimism.’

Confirmed entries in the ‘Jet-Age Station Wagons’ class include:

? 1959 Cadillac Broadmoor Skyview. One of only six made, this custom-built Cadillac has an incredible 156-inch wheelbase and features a large plexi-glass observation panel in the roof. The Skyviews were specially created for the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado. The Concours will be the first public showing of this car since receiving a complete restoration. This ‘over the top’ 59 Caddy is a remarkable example of ‘Jet-Age’ flamboyance.

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? 1961 Chrysler New Yorker Town & Country. For the early-Sixties country-club set, few cars offered the prestige of a Town & Country wagon. The design was strictly space-age, with pillarless four-door hardtop styling, towering tail fins and canted quad headlamps. Our featured car, one of just 760 nine-passenger versions built, was specially-ordered by the producer of the Milton Berle television show. Unusual options include dual air conditioning, swivel seats and a 413-cid V8 with cross-ram induction.

? 1958 Packard. In the final season for the distinguished Packard marque, only 159 wagons were built, making this one of the rarest automobiles of the decade. Most enthusiasts have never had the opportunity to see an example of these unusual Studebaker-based Packard wagons. It will make an exciting addition to the field at St. John’s.

? 1959 Mercury Colony Park. The Colony Park was the most expensive, most luxurious wagon built by the Ford Motor Company in 1959. Featuring ‘four-door hardtop’ styling, ‘jet-pod’ sculpturing, simulated wood paneling and one of the largest wraparound windshields ever, the ‘59 Colony Park was an eye-catching machine from the moment of its debut. The just-restored example making its debut at St. John’s features a huge 430-cubic-inch V8 and a full roster of options, including factory air conditioning.

? 1959 Buick LeSabre. Few cars shout ‘Jet-Age’ like the delta-winged 1959 Buick. Our featured LeSabre wagon, freshly restored and heavily optioned, is unquestionably one of the world’s finest examples of this uncommon Buick.

? 1960 Dodge Polara. With its wild fins, hardtop styling and ‘Jet-Age’ interior, the ‘60 Polara wagon is a superb example of Virgil Exner’s ‘Forward Look’ styling. Only 1,768 nine-passenger Polara wagons were built for 1960, and the California survivor that is coming to St. John’s is believed to be the sole remaining example in the United States.

? 1958 Rambler Ambassador Custom Hardtop Cross Country. In the late Fifties, Rambler found success with economical compact cars and station wagons that contrasted sharply with the ‘longer, lower, wider’ styling of Big Three designs. The only Rambler model aimed at the traditional ‘full-size’ market segment was the top-of-the-line Ambassador V8 and sales were not encouraging. The large, luxurious and expensive Custom Hardtop Cross Country wagon had one of the lowest production numbers of any AMC vehicle: Only 294 were built. It is believed that only two of these have survived, of which our St. John’s entrant is the only running example!

? 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 Fiesta. This was the first Olds wagon offered since 1950 and it arrived in style. Exclusive when new and highly coveted today, the pillarless design with ‘sparkling chrome roof ribs’ and dipped beltline make this one of the most beautiful wagons of the Jet-Age. Equally striking is the interior design, with its lush leather and jewel-like chrome details.

? 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad. Perhaps the most iconic version of America’s most iconic car, the Nomad has a timeless appeal. For our tribute to Jet-Age wagons we are proud to present one of the world’s finest and most awarded examples, resplendent in its eye-catching Sierra Gold and Adobe Beige two-tone.

With the final design signed-off and engineering development work progressing apace, Aston Martin today reveals the first images of the new V12 Zagato (road car) scheduled for production later this year.

The V12 Zagato is the pinnacle of the Vantage range. It is also the latest expression of a successful creative collaboration that has given rise to a series of striking GT cars over the last half-century, the original and most iconic of which being the DB4GT Zagato. Not only does this masterpiece rank amongst the most desirable, collectable and valuable cars in history, its 50th anniversary provided the inspiration for the V12 Zagato.

Though commemorating a great Aston Martin of the past the V12 Zagato could be no mere pastiche of the original. Instead the project was seen as the perfect opportunity to take Aston Martin’s ethos of technology and tradition to a new and exciting level. To this end the V12 Zagato combines the modern ideas, materials, processes and technology pioneered on One-77, while remaining true to the purity and craftsmanship of its illustrious forebear.

For Aston Martin’s CEO, Dr úlrich Bez, the V12 Zagato is ‘a celebration of both Aston Martin’s heritage and its future’. He continues: ‘Our relationship w?th Zagato stretches back more than 50 years. Together in that time we have created a series of very special cars. The first – the DB4GT Zagato – is a true icon: fast, beautiful and incredibly desirable. In the V12 Zagato I believe we have captured the spirit of that car and combined it w?th a confident twist of modernity to give it a character all of its own.’

Initial design concepts for the V12 Zagato were explored in early 2010. Inspired by Zagato’s bold and individual styling signatures Aston Martin’s Director of Design, Marek Reichman, and his Gaydon-based design team relished the challenge of shaping the V12 Zagato, creating a car that pushes the boundaries of Aston Martin’s design language, yet pays tribute to the DB4GT Zagato. Demonstrating Aston Martin’s ability to rapidly bring ideas to fruition the Zagato programme quickly gained momentum, the design team working hand-in-hand w?th engineers and artisans to complete the build of a pair of concept cars in the spring of 2011.

Engine : 5.9 L., 12-cylinder
Power: 510 hp
Torque: 420 ft-lbs
May 2011 saw the V12 Zagato make its world debut at the prestigious Villa d’Este concours. Entered in the Concept Cars and Prototypes class, the V12 Zagato wowed the judges and the crowd, taking first place against impressive opposition. In June the Villa d’Este winner – along w?th the second prototype car – made the V12 Zagato’s world racing debut at the gruelling 24 hour endurance race held at the Nürburgring. Both cars completed the ultimate durability test, continuing Aston Martin’s 100 per cent finishing record in this notoriously tough race.

After an overwhelmingly positive response from customers, the decision was made in July 2011 to build a strictly limited run of V12 Zagatos. Since then, Aston Martin’s design team have worked to refine the sports car’s detailing and aerodynamic performance while staying faithful to the original design concept. At the same time engineers based at Gaydon have been putting prototypes through the company’s rigorous development programme to ensure the V12 Zagato performs as well as it looks.

Every Aston Martin is a unique combination of advanced materials, technology and time-honoured craftsmanship. The V12 Zagato takes this philosophy to a level previously seen in the company’s exquisite One-77 supercar, which completes its build run this year. Built at Aston Martin’s global headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire, production of the V12 Zagato will be strictly limited to no more than 150 cars.

Creating each V12 Zagato is a painstaking process that takes approximately 2,000 man-hours to complete. Just like the One-77, the V12 Zagato is constructed from a combination of hand crafted aluminium and carbon fibre. The bonnet, signature ‘double-bubble’ roof and doors are hand-crafted aluminium, while the front and rear fenders, door sills and boot lid surround are made from carbon fibre.

The finished body is then painted in the same dedicated area as the One-77. Four unique colours have been created for the V12 Zagato: Scintilla Silver, Alloro Green, Alba Blue and Diavolo Red. The painting process alone takes some 100 hours to complete and is followed by the marriage of the body and the drivetrain within the sports car production area. From there the V12 Zagato is transferred to the standalone facility originally built to house One-77 production, where the build is completed.

This serene, laboratory-like space is perfectly suited to the task of creating special cars such as the V12 Zagato. It is here that time is lavished upon the fitment and installation of an array of bespoke components, including the side glass and the distinctive rear window, which features a curved surface that continues the sculptural lines of the ‘double-bubble’ roof. All the exterior brightwork around the windows has a contemporary black finish to compliment the exposed carbon fibre components. Fitment of the hand-crafted interior and upholstery is also completed in this dedicated build area.

Like all Aston Martins when viewed as a whole the V12 Zagato is an artful composition of powerful lines and compelling proportions, but when viewed up close it reveals sophisticated, sculptural surfaces and jewel-like details. The exposed elements of carbon fibre on the front splitter, A-pillars, rear lamp pods, diffuser, door mirror cases and rear wing all display the same perfectly symmetrical weave and smooth resin finish. Likewise the bold new grille is formed in a unique three-dimensional composite material mesh that echoes Zagato’s famous ‘Z’ moniker.

More delights are found inside. Seven Bridge of Weir hides – in semi-aniline finish to offer durability while preserving the natural texture of the leather – are used to trim the V12 Zagato’s interior. Hand-stitched quilting of a unique design creates a flowing pattern that evokes a dynamic sense of movement across the seats and headlining, while ‘Z’ embroidery in the headrests and rear parcel shelf add a further flourish. Satin-finish carbon fibre on the dashboard and centre stack is perfectly complimented by piano black accents and satin black rotary switchgear. Carbon fibre sill plaques w?th ‘V12 Zagato’ inlaid metal script provide a distinctive finishing touch.

A work of art built by skilled craftsmen to be driven and enjoyed by the world’s most discerning car collectors, the V12 Zagato is a fitting tribute to its illustrious ancestor. On-sale now priced at ï¿¡330,000 (plus local taxes) the production specification V12 Zagato will be showcased at the Geneva Salon International in March 2012. First deliveries are scheduled for Autumn 2012.

Auctions Offers Ferrari-Powered Hydroplane, ‘ARNO XI’, in Monaco

RM Auctions offers the famous and truly exceptional 1953 ARNO XI Hydroplane alongside a stunning collection of motor cars and motorcycles at its Monaco sale, 11th – 12th May, 2012

?This world-famous racing boat was constructed with assistance from Ferrari and the great Grand Prix drivers of the period and went on to establish a world water speed record of over 150 mph (241.70 km/h)

?Arno XI boasts a continuous, well-documented history, including just three owners from new

RM Auctions is delighted to announce the consignment of the world-famous Ferrari-engined Hydroplane racing boat, ARNO XI, to its highly anticipated Monaco auction, 11th – 12th May, 2012.

A unique piece of history, ARNO XI joins an elite roster of blue-chip automobiles and motorcycles slated for the multi-day sale at the Grimaldi Forum. Held during the same weekend as the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, RM’s two-day, biennial Monaco sale follows a record-setting debut auction in 2010 which saw the Company achieve over €33 million in sales, with bidders representing more than 33 countries from around the world. This year’s event is set to continue the momentum, bringing together a magnificent roster of collectible vehicles with the world’s most discerning collectors.

??’We are thrilled to be offering the historic ARNO XI at our Monaco sale. This awe-inspiring racing boat has beauty, history, provenance and performance; it simply ticks every box for any serious collector,’ says Peter Wallman, specialist at RM Europe.

ARNO XI was the brainchild of Achille Castoldi, who, wanting to establish a world water speed record, set about developing the ultimate powerboat. During 1952 and 1953, Mr. Castoldi, a friend of the famous Ferrari Grand Prix drivers Alberto Ascari and Luigi Villoresi, succeeded in convincing Enzo Ferrari to provide knowledge and technical assistance to develop the boat. The result was horsepower provided by a 12-cylinder, 4,500 cc V12 Ferrari engine, the same as that installed in the Type 375 Grand Prix car that gave José Froilán González Ferrari’s first ever World Championship Grand Prix Victory at Silverstone in 1951, with the only addition being twin superchargers that developed in excess of 502bhp at 6000rpm. On 15th October, 1953, ARNO XI achieved 241.70 km/h (150.19 mph) on Lake Iseo in northern Italy, establishing a world speed record for an 800kg boat. The record, incredibly, still stands today.

When Castoldi was finished with ARNO XI, it was sold to Nando dell’Orto, who went on to race it with great success for more than 10 years, securing numerous wins. The boat went through various aerodynamic improvements during that time, including a modified nose and the addition of a fin, finishing its competitive racing career in 1960 with a European championship victory and numerous fastest laps, many of which still exist.

The current owner acquired the racing boat over 20 years ago, restoring it to concours condition. ARNO XI has been in the water many times since and is not only an impressive sight when seen in action but also sounds magnificent. Well-documented, its sale is accompanied by an extensive history file including numerous period photographs and hand-written notes from the great Ferrari engineer, Colombo, during tests on Lake Iseo and during bench testing at Ferrari’s Maranello factory. This remarkable and unique machine is estimated to achieve between €1.000.000 – €1.500.000 when it crosses the auction podium in May.

‘It’s an exceptional piece of history, made even more famous by the countless models one sees of it in important collectors’ libraries and is likely to appeal to serious car collectors as much as it will to traditional boat collectors,’ adds Wallman. ‘It has that alluring mix of ’50s Ferrari grand prix car with the sheer beauty and simplicity of the hydroplanes of the period. We are honoured to have been entrusted with its sale,’ he continues.