I hope you have been enjoying some of my recent writings which have appeared on my social platforms LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
The Past and The Spurious – The Case of Legitimacy in Historic Cars is now in final editing and design and this month’s Newsletter features some snippets from the book.
Best wishes
Paul
’By dint of by-the-way innovation, Cooper had turned Grand Prix racing on its head (or perhaps on its arse) by moving the engine from in front of the driver to behind him. Dismissed by Enzo Ferrari as a mere garage business and not a proper motor racing operation, Cooper had begun to win Grand Prix races. Not only was the engine behind the Cooper driver, so were the products of Modena’s finest.’
Image – Unattributed
‘In deference to the contemporary headline writers at The Sun and to the times, the judgment opened with the words: ‘This is a tale of two cars. It might be said to be a tale of two Jags, but that might be misunderstood.’ It was, in fact, the tale of two Listers – one of the Lister Costins and the spaceframe car. But only one chassis number and one registration number. Circumstances had commingled their separate histories.’
Image – Atelier Reeves
Austin Healey, from a different time.
Back to 1956 and an unmissable photo opportunity for Austin Healey as model Angela Lane poses with her new purchase – one of eight right hand drive factory-built 100Ms.
Austin Healey, from a different time.
As thoughts turn towards a new season, here is reminder of the Mille Miglia Storico in 2016. A rare Austin Healey 100S having its card stamped before charging on.
‘Ferrari runs to a different rhythm. Its Classiche programme now has such heft that any discussion of identity or authenticity is in thrall to two simple questions: does the car have a red book and, if so, what does that red book say? And if the car is missing its original chassis or components then the factory can often provide new original ones. A hegemony that can give blessings of originality – at a price.’
Image – Atelier Reeves
‘But some will struggle even to establish the necessary relationship with the original manufacturer that would justify the use of the description ‘continuation’. Several of today’s pretenders will fail to establish their credentials as manufacturers or that they are, in fact, the successor to their purported forebear. Relying on a fabrication contract with a reputable preparer just doesn’t do it. Today’s owner of recently-acquired intellectual property rights may struggle to overcome the niff of the johnny-come-lately.’
Image – Atelier Reeves
