Unique car builds driving thrills and automotive trends are highlighted
April 29, 2025
No Nannies: Alfa Romeo Giulia 1300 Super Outlaw
The Alfa Romeo Giulia 1300 Super Outlaw stands as a rare and rebellious classic, perfectly embodying independence and meticulous craftsmanship. Unlike the assistance-heavy vehicles prevalent today, this machine proudly represents a raw, unadulterated driving experience paired with timeless Italian design. Its compelling history, distinct features, and the passion invested in its restoration highlight its significant place in automotive culture. The story of this particular model unfolds, celebrating its outlaw status and championing the pure ethos of driving without electronic nannies. This Giulia serves as a powerful symbol of a different era, where the connection between car and driver was direct and exhilarating.
Gertrude Volvo 242 Group A Homologation
Entering the demanding world of Group A racing required the Volvo 242 to undergo a critical and intricate homologation process. This wasn’t merely a stamp of approval but involved a detailed list of specific modifications that had to be implemented and officially sanctioned. Ensuring the car met stringent technical and safety standards mandated by racing authorities was paramount to its eligibility. This rigorous journey through approvals and required alterations ultimately defined the history and charted the essential development path of the Volvo 242 as it transformed from a road car into a potent competitor in the heat of international touring car battles.
8 Cars in 1 Day: A Day with Drivers Lounge
A day exploring Japan’s finest driving roads began by tackling the initial section in a GR Yaris before swapping into a Spoon S660, which proved hilarious up the Turnpike. Though not built for outright speed with its 660 cc blown motor, it was incredibly fun carrying so much speed through fast sweepers, hardly needing the brakes. Meeting at the top offered that iconic view of Fuji-san.
The adventure continued with the Alto Works, which provided an even greater vibe than the S660. Sitting higher gave a completely different feel through corners, almost like a rally car on rails, with plenty of boost-assisted torque for constant smiles. Moving towards the Ashinoko Skyline, the DC5 Type-R was the next choice and a true eye-opener, having not driven one in twenty years. Its high-revving naturally aspirated engine demanded being kept on the boil to pull out of corners, and the lowered suspension made the playful chassis shine, even hinting at lift-off oversteer. Another stunning Fuji view prompted a second group photo.
Taking the opportunity, the next leg involved the two Lancer Evos. The Evo VI remains a favorite, its direct link to WRC felt through rowing gears and making the 4G63 sing. The Evo X with the SST gearbox also surprised with how capable and easy these last-gen models are to drive; the SST allowed more focus on steering and lines, surfing the mid-range torque to catapult into the next turn.
From the Ashinoko Skyline, a tight touge led down to a quiet parking area by Lake Ashi – the final stop before climbing back up to the Hakone Turnpike pass for what became the best part of the day. For this drive, the A90 Supra was selected. The BMW connection was clear, and it felt more like an effortless GT cruiser than a razor-sharp sports car. This took the journey onto the Tsubaki Line, a favorite road driven for 25 years. Stopping about a third of the way down at a little parking spot, overlooking the Pacific towards Hatsujima island, allowed a moment to reflect. Six hours and seven cars later, the sheer variety of the driving experience hit home – from AWD to FF and FR, mid-engine to front-engine – truly highlighting the differences and making you appreciate each layout.
The drive back to the Drivers Lounge concluded with car number eight, the familiar R35 GT-R. After driving it in countless forms over 18 years, it felt like home and remained a true weapon on these roads. The day ended with a final sunset shot at 1000m above sea level overlooking Lake Ashi and Fuji, before returning the cars. A day spent on Japan’s best driving roads, exploring such a diverse fleet, is undoubtedly one of the finest ways for any car enthusiast to experience Japan.
Modernising WRC Legend: Prodrive P25
As the day wound down and the sun began to set behind the circuit’s rolling hills, the P25 took the spotlight for a photoshoot. Although Subarus had often slipped past the author’s attention, this particular car reignited a potent desire for that unique, gut-punching hit of torque and acceleration so hard to find in other vehicles. It’s been a couple of years since the P25 first broke cover, and this standout JDM resto-mod still holds a unique place, leaving enthusiasts keenly anticipating what exciting project might come next to capture the automotive world’s attention.
No, you’re not seeing things – that is a roofless Porsche 959
Finding a Porsche 959 on the collector market is a rare feat, befitting the legend of Porsche’s first supercar. Yet, a truly unique specimen is about to surface, a one-off creation dubbed the 959 ‘Speedster’. This extraordinary car rolled off the line in 1987 and was first delivered to endurance racer Jürgen Lässig. Its initial journey included an unfortunate autobahn accident, after which it was acquired by Porsche racer and master craftsman Karl-Heinz ‘Charlie’ Feustel.
Working from his small workshop, Feustel embarked on an ambitious project to transform the damaged 959 into something never before seen. Over 4,000 hours of meticulous work by Feustel and his team went into crafting this ‘Speedster’ variant, with immense attention paid to the fit and finish to ensure every modification was refined. The stunning result boasts glossy Grand Prix White paintwork complemented by a striking blue leather interior. Designed for versatility, it features both an electrically operated soft-top and a removable hard top. As the sole example of its kind ever created, this customised 959 offers its future owner a piece of unparalleled automotive history.
This remarkable, one-off Porsche 959 Speedster is scheduled to be offered at RM Sotheby’s upcoming sale in Milan on May 22nd, with an estimated value ranging between 1,100,000 and 1,500,000 euros.
According to Neil Clifford White Making a Comeback – Here’s Proof!
After a period where vibrant greens, purples, and browns dominated automotive trends, fashion and car enthusiast Neil Clifford believes a classic is set to make a significant return. Clifford, CEO of Kurt Geiger, argues compellingly that white is poised for a major comeback in the automotive world. He feels it’s time to shift back to celebrating pure design, noting that no other colour reveals a car’s clean lines and form quite like white. To illustrate his point, Clifford delved into the Classic Driver Market, curating a diverse selection of vehicles that demonstrate white’s enduring appeal. His chosen lineup ranges from a magnificent Bianco Ferrari 512 BB and a striking Bianco Perlato Lamborghini LM002 to a vintage 1967 Alfa Romeo Giulia. He also highlighted British icons like a 1982 Aston Martin Lagonda, a charming Austin-Healey Mk1 ‘Frog Eye’ Sprite, and a modern Noble M600, alongside German powerhouses like a Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC and a Porsche 911 Carrera RS, and a Japanese legend, the Nissan Skyline R33 GTR 400R by NISMO. Clifford’s curated list powerfully showcases how shades of white transcend eras and origins, proving its versatility and timeless ability to make iconic vehicles look their absolute best as it reclaims its place in the spotlight.