Lesenswert – JaguarSport XJR-15: A personal history of the design and development of the legendary supercar von Peter Stevens

Posted on Juni 11, 2024 by michael

Der JaguarSport XJR-15 ist ein seltenes und außergewöhnliches Fahrzeug, das oft im Schatten seines berühmteren Nachfolgers, des XJ220, steht. Entstanden aus Jaguars reichem Erbe im Motorsport, war der XJR-15 das Ergebnis einer Zusammenarbeit zwischen Jaguar und Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR). Eingeführt im Jahr 1990, war der XJR-15 das erste Straßenauto, das vollständig aus Kohlefaser gefertigt wurde, einem Material, das zu dieser Zeit hauptsächlich in der Formel 1 verwendet wurde, was seine Rennsportabstammung unterstreicht.

Der XJR-15 basierte auf dem Jaguar XJR-9, der 1988 die 24 Stunden von Le Mans gewonnen hatte. Dieses Auto wurde von Peter Stevens entworfen, der auch am ikonischen McLaren F1 arbeitete. Der XJR-15 war mit einem 6,0-Liter-V12-Motor ausgestattet, der 450 PS leistete und das Auto in weniger als 4 Sekunden von 0 auf 100 km/h beschleunigen konnte, mit einer Höchstgeschwindigkeit von 307 km/h. Es wurden nur 53 Exemplare gebaut, was ihn heute zu einem äußerst seltenen Sammlerstück macht. Continue reading →

BuchTipp – Lotus Elite: Colin Chapman’s First Gt Car

Posted on Januar 21, 2022 by Franz Veron

Illustration Gudy Steinmill-Hommel

The Lotus Elite was a turning point for Lotus. First produced at the end of the 1950s, it marked Lotus’ transition from a maker of small racing cars, which had limited utility on the road, to the producer of a highly sophisticated road and race car. In the Elite, Lotus exploited its knowledge of new technology and racing pedigree to produce a car which, with its glass fibre monocoque and Coventry Climax engine, had the potential to be a world beater.

This book gives an insight into the reasons the car was produced and its importance in Lotus’ history, especially in the production of lightweight innovative cars. Through interviews with Elite owners, first hand accounts provide a good overview of owning one of these iconic cars, covering its foibles and quirks as well as its exemplary roadholding, handling and performance. Illustrated with many colour photographs, along with period advertising material, the book provides a valuable insight into owning, running and racing these iconic cars. This book is published by ‎Veloce Publishing Ltd – now available at amazon.

BuchTipp – 9600 HP: The Story of the World’s Oldest E-type

Posted on Juli 22, 2021 by Franz Veron

Illustration: Gudy Steinmill-Hommel

From development prototype to Geneva Motor Show star and 150mph road-test car, 9600 HP played a key role in the launch of the sensational Jaguar E-type. This latest book tells the story of this unique car’s life, its intricate restoration, and the unsung hero behind its creation – Malcolm Sayer.

First published in 2000 and extensively expanded and updated for this new edition, it includes interviews with many of the characters who were central to the car’s adventures. It also features a wealth of exclusive archive material from the family of Malcolm Sayer – the man who created some of Jaguar’s most iconic designs.
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BuchTipp – Porsche 911 SC: Experiences & Illustrated

Posted on Juni 1, 2021 by Franz Veron

Illustration: Gudy Steinmill-Hommel

Have you longed to restore a classic Porsche 911, but were either overwhelmed by the scale of the task, or simply unsure of what was involved? This unique publication brings that experience to life, covering every detail of the loving restoration of a very special 1983 Porsche 911 SC Targa Sport. The car was originally a special order model for Sir Cliff Richard.
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BuchTipp – Mr Lemans: Tom Kristensen

Posted on März 18, 2021 by michael

Illustration Gudy Steinmill-Hommel

Between 1997 and 2014, Tom Kristensen won the world&;s toughest motor race, the Le Mans 24 Hours, a record nine times and finished on the podium on five more occasions. Every time his car made it to the finish, in fact, he was in the top three. It is no wonder that this great sports car driver is known as &;Mr Le Mans&; to motorsport fans around the world.
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BuchTipp – Shadow: The Magnificent Machines of a Man of Mystery: Can-Am – Formula 1 – F5000

Posted on Juli 12, 2020 by Gudrun Steinmill

Illustrationen/Fotos Gudy Steinmill-Hommel

Enigmatic American Don Nichols, D-Day paratrooper, Army counter-intelligence officer and controversial entrepreneur, went on to create a racing marque that seems as cloaked as the man himself. Shadow was the only US-based team to win a Can-Am championship, and one of only three to score a victory in Formula 1. Yet history lavishly celebrates his nominal rivals Dan Gurney and Roger Penske, while Nichols has long remained, yes, a shadowy figure &; despite staying the difficult international course far longer, for 11 racing seasons, 1970 to 1980. But at last Pete Lyons, who was there in the day, lifts the veil from this secretive man and the innovative, extraordinary, magnificent racing cars and world-class team he created. This book is published by Evro Publishing – now available at amazon.

BuchTipp – Patina Volkswagens

Posted on März 27, 2019 by Franz Veron

Since the early 2000s, the apparent explosion of interest in Volkswagens with original paint, rust and patina has inspired a generation of car fanatics, who might not be able to afford to restore a car to show condition, but still want a good looking, cool car that will stand out from the crowd. Once looked upon as vehicles that were in need of restoration, cars with original paint, rust and patina, especially within the global Volkswagen community, have gradually become far more popular than restored cars. When walking down a line of cars at a car show, it’s easy to see why; these cars are rare, unspoiled survivors – cars that tell a story of an interesting and varied past. Continue reading →

BuchTipp – Volkswagen Beetle: A Celebration of the World’s Most Popular Car

Posted on Oktober 3, 2018 by Franz Veron

The VW Beetle is simply the best-known and most-loved car in the history of the motor car. Amazingly, some of the earliest Beetles, now seven decades old, are still on the road, while more recent examples, particularly the classics from the late 1950s and ’60s are many an enthusiast’s pride and joy. Created through the ingenuity of Ferdinand Porsche, brought to the brink of series production by Hitler’s Nazis and rescued from oblivion by the British after the war, the Beetle soon developed into a phenomenon under the guardianship of Heinz Nordhoff, the VW boss for two decades. Overwhelmingly successful in over 150 countries across the world, most notably in the USA; when the car finally fell from grace in Europe after Nordhoff’s death, it was destined to enjoy a revitalized and lengthy swansong in South America. The legendary Beetle’s intriguing story is unraveled in this fascinating and handsome book. This book is published by Veloce Publishing – 30,00 Euro – now available at Amazon.

Fiat 500 Spiaggina feiert als Sommer/Strand-Variation seinen 60. Geburtstag

Posted on Juli 9, 2018 by Franz Veron

60 Jahre nach seinem ersten Auftritt wurde der Fiat 500 Spiaggina in einer neuen, modernisierten Sommer/Strand-Variation enthüllt. Um den Geburtstag des Autos zu feiern, haben “Garage Italia” und “Pininfarina” zusammengearbeitet, um die Karosserie eines ‘500C’ neu zu gestalten und einige Retro-Räder zu montieren, wobei die Variation auf 1958 limitiert ist und das Jahr der Entstehung symbolisiert.

In einer blau-weißen Farbkombination getaucht, verliert das Fiat Spiaggina sein Dach, die Rails und die Rücksitze zugunsten eines für den Strand zugeschnittenen offenen Ober- und Rückteils. Eine Abdeckung gleitet weg, um ein Sonnendeck zu enthüllen, das sich verlängert, während sich die Heckklappe öffnet. Das hintere Abteil enthält nicht nur alles Notwendige für einen Ausflug ans Meer, sondern bietet auch eine eingebaute Dusche, um den Sand am Ende eines Tages beim Sonnenbaden ab zu waschen.

Im Innenraum, der zu den Farben und dem Stil des Äußeren passt, wurde der Vordersitz des Strandwagens durch eine maßgefertigte Bank ersetzt, typisch für das Design der 1960er Jahre. Der Innenraum ist mit blau-weißem wasserfestem Leder bezogen, während alle Metallteile wie Griffe, Spiegel und Felgen mit poliertem Chrom überzogen sind, das in der Sonne funkelt.

BuchTipp – Jaguar E-Type: A Celebration of the World’s Favourite ’60s Icon (Great Cars)

Posted on November 17, 2017 by michael

Four decades after its launch, the Jaguar E-type is still at the top of most car enthusiasts’ Christmas lists. An enduring example of design and engineering excellence, it is instantly recognizable the world over. Jaguar E-Type celebrates this icon of the 1960s as Nigel Thorley describes the year by year history and development of this beautiful car in full illustration with anecdotes and curiosities along the way. Coupled with excellent writing, this adds up to a feast of nostalgia that will delight all admirers of this most sinuous of cars. This book is published by Veloce Publishing Ltd 32,16 Euro – now available at Amazon.

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Tag Archives: Auto