FORD GT: THE LEGEND COMES TO LIFE

One of the most exciting new cars of 2004 is profiled in this beautiful book. The Ford GT is the modern version of the incredible GT40, a car created by Ford in the 1960s to beat the Ferraris at Le Mans—which they did! The success of the original GT40, coupled with its great looks, made it one of the most popular cars in automotive racing history. Ford has revived the spirit of the original race car with perhaps its most exciting new car in 30 years—the Ford GT. The new car has lines taken straight off the original GT40 and power supplied by a 500-hp V-8. Three Ford GTs will be built in 2003 to commemorate the 1-2-3 victory at Le Mans in 1966, and the car will see limited regular production beginning in June 2004.

This book includes an in-depth analysis of how the car came to be, complete with original interviews with Ford execs and engineers as well as drawings of concept cars. Also included is a short chapter summing up the origins and race history of the GT40. Also a section discussing the concepts for GT40 revivals. Many of these cars have not been revealed in publications previously. Shop here

JAGUAR: MARKETING THE MARQUE

With over 80 years of continuous production and a wealth of models made during that time, Jaguar and its advertising agencies have produced a vast and varied range of promotional literature. This handsome volume brings together a variety of this fascinating material, which tells not only the story of the company and its cars but also social history throughout the period. This book will be a fine addition to the bookshelves of Jaguar enthusiasts everywhere. Shop here

CAR OF THE STARS; DUESENBERG SSJ

The SSJ's diecast body is clean, smooth, and very well detailed. The two-tone black and cream paint is equally fine, with razor-sharp separation lines, but neither car was ever painted in these colours. Overall body lines and proporations are exactly right, but Altaya has managed to combine the un-reflexed fenders of 2549 with the vertical taillights of 2595. There are no chromed parts; all the trim, including the bumpers and grille, is painted silver, obviously to hold the cost down. Dimensions check out to 1:43 scale very well. Shop here

SOLIDO 1/18 ASTON MARTIN DBR9 V12 LE MANS 2005

The Aston Martin DBR9 won the Sebring 12 Hours LMGT1 category in 2005, but came third in Le Mans 24 Hour LMGT1 category, behind arch-rivals Corvette Racing. In 2006, the DBR9 was less successful, finishing second behind the Corvette at both Sebring and Le Mans. Despite not winning Sebring and Le Mans, Aston Martin Racing regularly challenged Corvette Racing for victory in the American Le Mans Series, with victories at the New England Grand Prix, Grand Prix of Utah, Grand Prix of Mosport, Petit Le Mans, and Monterey Sports Car Championships. Aston Martin capped their 2006 ALMS season by finishing second in the GT1 Manufacturer's Championship, earning the factory team an automatic entry to the 2007 24 Hours of Le Mans. Shop here

VANGUARDS - AUSTIN COOPER LAUNCH BROCHURE CAR-50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE MINI COOPER

The Mini-Cooper was the brainchild of John Cooper, then proprietor of the successful Cooper Formula 1 team.  He saw the racing potential in his friend Issigonis's nimble economy car, the Mini, and after building a prototype, persuaded BMC to build the 1000 cars needed for homologation.

BMC agreed to pay Cooper £2 per car for the use of his prestigious name, and the Austin Seven Cooper (and Morris Mini Cooper) were launched on 20th September 1961.  The Austin version officially became the Mini-Cooper in January 1962.  BMC worried it wouldn't sell but high profile motor sport success soon meant it became the classless car everyone wanted. Shop here

CORGI 1/50 SCAMMELL HIGHWAYMAN AND TRAILERS 'BILLY SMART'S CIRCUS'

This is certainly an impressive beast, with its Scammell Highwayman tractor, box trailer and pole truck trailer, all in the grey and green of Billy Smart's Circus. Posters advertising the next venue of Bexleyheath appear as labels on the sides. Certainly a fine model to add to those that have previously appeared in Billy Smart's livery, or to go with the collection of Chipperfield's and other circus/fun fair models. Shop here

MINICHAMPS BENTLY AZURE 2006 BLUE METALLIC CONVERTIBLE

This model is a highly detailed model in 1:18 Scale. For the past 20 years, Minichamps has strived to bring to the demanding collector the very best quality die-cast collectable money can buy. Minichamps products year after year bring a variety of models in various scales from the major automotive manufacturer’s of the world, encompassing the classic racing & road car to the contemporary models as well as current Formula 1, Moto GP, & Military models. The Bentley Azure is a four seated convertible. The azure is based on the modified platform of the Bentley Arnage and uses the engine of the Arnage R. Into the platform as well as the build up numerous strengtheners were integrated, in order to eliminate the convertible typical body rigidity problems that a convertible has in comparison to a coupe. On the same platform, the coupe namely the Brooklands is also based. The Azure is equipped with a full electronic cloth convertible hood. The base price is 334.021 € and as a result it is the second most expensive convertible, behind the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé (440.300 €) world wide. In 2008 the Azure T, a more powerful car, in terms of power and torque, was added to the Azure line. The engine, the side air intakes and the front bumper of the Azure T are designed in the Anarge T Saloon Style. The 20” rims also stem from the Saloon, as well as the aluminium pedals and the leather design (“Diamond Cut”) in the door and mid console. Shop here