Pure engine sounds – Lancia Delta Evoluzione

Raw, uncompromising, brutal, pure. These words and more spring to mind when asked to describe the era of rally from which cars such as the Lancia Delta Evoluziones were born.

This clip takes us back to the glory days of these terrifying machines, with a primary focus on the wail of their extensively developed, turbocharged engines. It’s fitting then that this video lacks any intrusive music or overambitious editing, because it could only have served to detract from the sheer intensity of watching some of the greatest off-road racing machines of our time tear-flat out through a selection of their natural habitats.

This video runs for a full fifteen minutes – because a lifetime spent listening to the sounds of classic rally still wouldn’t be long enough.

via motorsportretro

Bonhams to offer Ecurie Ecosse Collection at flagship 1 December Bond St sale

One of British motor racing’s most evocative liveries is the Flag Blue metallic with ‘sergeant stripes’ of Ecurie Ecosse. Arch-collector Dick Skipworth is now offering several team cars, plus the famous Commer transporter, at Bonhams' new event on 1st December at its totally rebuilt Bond St offices.

The transporter was immortalised by Corgi Toys in the early 60s and is a regular sight at historic race meetings worldwide. The cars are headed by ‘MWS 303’, the short-nosed D-type Jaguar driven by Ron Flockhart, and also include a C-type, a Tojeiro-Jaguar, a Cooper T49 Monaco, a Tojeiro-Buick Coupé and, rather incongruously, a 1961 Austin-Healey ‘Sebring’ Sprite.

No estimates have yet been given, although we are sure that in today’s heady collectors’ market this sale will hit the headlines for yet more record-breaking sums.

Photos: Bonhams

29/09 : Distinguished Gentleman's Ride 2013

If you’re anything like me, you usually only wear a suit and tie to weddings, funerals and the odd court appearance  – it has been a while since the last one. So it’s great to add another occasion to the list. Yes, it's that time of year again when the most dapper motorcyclists from around the world dust off their suits, polish their shoes, trim the beard, clean granddad’s smoking pipe, splash on a liberal amount of Old Spice and google the words ‘how to tie a tie’.

Last year there were 60 cities with over 2500 participants and it looks like there will be thousands more in 2013, with 115 cities in 33 countries joining the September 29th ride. This year the DGR will help a charitable cause, as gentlemen should, raising funds (already at $78,000) to support worldwide medical research into cancer. The focus for 2013 and 2014 will be Prostate Cancer research and awareness programs that focus on preventative measures.

So if you ride a café racer, bobber, classic, flat tracker, classic scooter, side-cart, monkey bike or anything that stands out from the crowd make sure you check out the DGR website to find your closest ride or to register. We look forward to seeing the footage and photos from each city – make sure you use up those memory cards.

So which city will you be joining in the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride?

[Photos by Peter Greig]

 [Video from the 2012 DGR in Singapore]

petite partie ...