All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

Rare 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider for sale

At the 1960 Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari revealed a new car based on the 250 GT Berlinetta SWB, the Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider. It is an extremely rare car which makes it a highly desirable collector’s car. One example, actually the first ever produced and one of four in the world, is owned by former German football player Michael Ballack. Now this car will be auctioned in August, and the estimated value is $16,000,000 – $18,000,000 USD.

“It is extremely difficult to come across a car as interesting to collectors as this California Spider. An icon among icons that has a unique place in Ferrari history, as it is the first 250 GT SWB California Spider ever built. It was even in the Ferrari window at the 1960 Geneva Motor Show,” said an RM Sotheby’s spokesperson.

This 250 GT SWB California Spider is powered by a competition-spec Tipo 168 engine that enables acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.2 seconds with a top speed of 233 km/h (145 mph).

The car is in excellent condition and is equipped with covered headlights and factory removable hardtop, and comes with Ferrari Classiche Red Book certified with original ‘numbers matching’ engine, gearbox, rear axle and bodywork.

Ballack was close friend with Michael Schumacher, which had an impact on the growth of his passion for motorsport and the Ferrari brand.

Source: RM Sotheby’s

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Rare 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider for sale
News

Alpina B3 GT and B4 GT

At the end of May, BMW revealed a redesigned edition of the M3, and it didn’t take long for Alpina to respond with the B3 GT (limousine and Touring) and B4 GT based on the 4 Series GranCoupé.

The car is decorated with gold-colored details and applications, as well as Alpina tiles in the cabin and engine compartment, which remind us why Alpina is among the most respected companies when it comes to upgrading BMW cars. All versions sit on 20-inch rims and customers can choose between several body colors. They are equipped with improved suspension, i.e. control system and reprogrammed operation of the adaptive drive on both axles.

Under the bonnet is a 3.0-L biturbo inline six-cylinder engine with 529 hp (394 kW) @ 6,250 rpm and 538 lb-ft (730 Nm) of torque @ 2,500 – 4,500 rpm, paired with a reprogrammed ZF 8 – step automatic transmission. It reaches 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 308 km/h (191 mph). The slightly heavier, but also more practical body version (Touring) reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 305 km/h (189 mph), and the third B4 GT model has the same performance.

When it comes to price, the B3 GT costs 101,700 euros, while the Touring version is slightly more expensive and costs 102,900 euros. The B4 GT costs 105,100 euros.

Source: Alpina

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Alpina B3 GT and B4 GT
Tuning

Porsche 930 Turbo with F1 engine

In order to compete with Renault, McLaren joined forces with TAG and Porsche in 1982 to jointly develop a turbocharged F1 engine. The creative behind it is Hans Mezger, the legendary Porsche engineer who designed some of the best high-performance engines. In the following years, this engine proved to be a complete hit and McLaren won three championship titles. Now the British automotive company specializing in service restoration and development of unique vehicles, Lanzante, has installed these three F1 engines in three examples of the Porsche 930 Turbo.

The first of the three cars, the Championship 85, was powered by the Formula 1-spec 1.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine that Alain Prost used in his McLaren in ’84, ’85. and ’86. The engine was restored by Cosworth, who installed new pistons, valves, springs, camshafts, air box, new exhaust system, and improved cooling. On the sides of the V6 engine are two lightweight turbochargers made of titanium (8 kg lighter than the original ones), which help the engine deliver more than 630 hp. It is mounted on 18-inch Dymag magnesium and carbon rims, the design of which resembles the wheels of the original McLaren F1 car. Lanzante says that the car now weighs only 920 kilograms.

The car is finished in the colors of Prost’s helmet, and is equipped with larger carbon ceramic brakes, Cosworth ECU unit and electronics with Formula 1 specifications. Inside, there are Recaro seats, a suede-covered steering wheel, and new seat belts.

This Porsche 930 Turbo will be premiered at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which will be held July 11, 2024 – July 14, 2024.

Source: Lanzante

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