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Sanlorenzo’s Stunning 57Steel
Combining an enormous volume with a 56.5m LOA and perfectly balanced proportions – as well as thoughtful customisations that set her apart from her sisters in the series – Virtuosity is the second hull in the new 57Steel range from Sanlorenzo.
Creating the new 57Steel line for Sanlorenzo was a careful balancing act between volume, length and proportions. The Italian builder sought to expand its range of steel-hulled superyachts with an offering that provided a generous volume exceeding 1,000GT without reaching an excessive length, and without looking too stocky or top heavy.
Ferruccio Rossi, Group General Manager and President of Sanlorenzo Superyacht, says: “One of the 57Steel’s strengths lies precisely in being able to provide extraordinary volumes and liveable spaces, while staying below 60m in length and maintaining a perfect balance in proportions.”
It was a challenging brief for the yacht’s designer, but fortunately one that it was prepared for, as Zuccon International Project is one of Sanlorenzo’s longtime collaborators.
“My design has become almost second nature when it comes to drawing for Sanlorenzo,” Bernardo Zuccon says. “The integration and synergy with the shipyard’s style have made it almost spontaneous for me to incorporate the Sanlorenzo DNA into new designs. Starting from a general language, I introduced stylistic elements and details to make the 57Steel an extremely recognisable yacht.”
STYLED FOR THE OWNER
Zuccon sought to create a timeless exterior style that would be recognisable as part of the Sanlorenzo family while standing out among the current fleet. The designer achieved this with specific design elements, such as the signature handrails on the main and upper deck.
In a different colour from the rest of the all-white Virtuosity, the dark-grey handrails lead the eye from their starting point aft to the next deck up. The handrails don’t merely end at the top of the bulwark, but continue at a 45-degree slope, connecting to the superstructure above. This seemingly subtle styling cue creates a sense of dynamism and forward motion.
Virtuosity was preceded by the first 57Steel, Alma. It’s obvious that the two are sisters, but Virtuosity stands out from grey-hulled Alma with a nearly all-white hull and superstructure.
Rossi says: “Virtuosity flaunts a unique colour, giving the line a sportier appearance, as wished by the client. Another distinctive external element is the foredeck private pool on Virtuosity’s upper deck, located in front of the owner’s cabin.” Such personalisation speaks to Sanlorenzo’s quest, and company motto, to create ‘made to measure’ yachts.
DIFFERENT LEVEL
To strike a proper proportional balance in the 57Steel series, the yacht’s general arrangement was pored over and revised from what you might typically expect in a yacht of similar length. An innovative layout that bucks tradition was conceived.
The wheelhouse area, normally found forward on the upper deck, was moved up one level. Instead of an entirely open sun deck, this arrangement places the enclosed bridge area forward on the top deck. This is set forward of a chart room and captain’s cabin, while a corridor leads to a small interior lounge/DJ area that opens out onto an aft deck exterior party area.
“It’s a real bridge deck, like those found on much larger yachts, which made it possible to utilise the upper deck in a different way,” Rossi says.
A higher vantage point for the bridge is not only a benefit to the captain, but this shakeup in the general arrangement has allowed the upper deck to host a sprawling 54sqm owner’s suite like you might find on a yacht with a longer LOA.
An owner’s office and walk-in dressing room at the entrance to the suite lead into the forward-facing bedroom. Surrounded by windows and set at a lofty height, this upper-deck haven enjoys expansive views, which can be further appreciated by stepping outside onto the connected private forward deck lounge with a swimming pool.
Zuccon says: “It’s challenging to pinpoint a single favourite space on board Virtuosity, but considering the typological characteristics of the yacht, the owner’s cabin on the upper deck with its exclusive external deck is perhaps the most fascinating space on board.”
On the main deck forward is a full-beam stateroom that would make for an enviable VIP cabin or a worthy second owner’s suite for dual charterers. A further four cabins are found on the lower deck below, including two doubles and two twin cabins, one of which can serve as a staff cabin.
STEPPING UP CUSTOMISATION
Though the build of Virtuosity began on spec, an owner was found only months after beginning carpentry work, allowing the clients to put their personal stamp on the vessel. Rossi explains: “One of the most interesting challenges was meeting the clients’ request for a ‘masterpiece’ within the boat, a situation that could create astonishment, a wow effect.”
Lissoni & Partners created Virtuosity’s minimal yet chic interior, which includes a wow-feature of a staircase at its core. Designer Piero Lissoni, Sanlorenzo’s Art Director, is known for his utterly unique, architectural staircases, and the one found on Virtuosity is no exception. A study in organic shapes, this curvaceous staircase is certainly the piece de resistance that it set out to be.
“I couldn’t resist adding one of my staircases,” Lissoni admits. “It’s not a simple staircase; it belongs to a kind of twilight zone, something in-between different places. I hope that the owners keep on going up and down these stairs as if they were in a dream.”
The staircase, which features a steel and aluminum structure, spans all four decks, winding around itself and creating unprecedented perspectives in terms of pathways and passages. Natural light filters in through a glass skylight above, creating an interplay of light and shadows.
The challenge lay in achieving a sense of weightlessness and transparency while ensuring structural integrity. Precision engineering and innovative construction methods, overseen by Lissoni’s team, were employed to bring this exceptional staircase to life.
Rossi says: “It was a stimulating challenge not only from a formal and stylistic perspective but also from an engineering and craftsmanship standpoint due to the complexities arising from placing such a sculptural staircase in such a compact space with a complex structure.”
The clients are also very interested in onboard technology, particularly in audio/video systems, so Virtuosity has a DJ area at the aft of her bridge deck with a space for DJ decks and a bar, creating a dedicated space for celebrations. The party space, along with a main-deck pool area and a huge beach club on the lower deck, proves that Virtuosity is all about entertainment.
Building a superyacht on spec can be a gamble, but it’s one that paid off for Sanlorenzo. Three more units of the 57Steel range are already in production. And Zuccon says that the owner’s satisfaction with Virtuosity has led to an ongoing collaboration on an even larger project.
The word Virtuosity, of course, means an impressive skill in an artistic pursuit, and it could be said that the yard and designers have showcased great virtuosity befitting of the yacht’s name in the creation of this well-balanced superyacht.
www.sanlorenzoyacht.com
www.simpsonmarine.com
This article was first seen on yachtstyle.co
For more on the latest in yachting news, click here.
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Friday, March 29, 2024
Setting the Record Straight on Tissot’s Powermatic 80
Watchmaking brands typically do not require anyone to stand up for them. In the old days, and right up until the 1990s probably, this was obvious and did not need to be spelled out. Even in other segments, this writer assumes that various published defences of Tesla, for example, are more statements of support for Elon Musk than they are for the EV firm. In this specific kind of case, said defences are no doubt useful to The NeXt Martian.
On that perhaps relevant note, social media being the charmingly vile cesspool of bad behaviour that it is, one is sometimes tempted to intervene. This is almost always a bad idea – only governments typically attempt to police the Internet and that goes about as well as hugging a hippopotamus might. In a niche area such as watch collecting, there is relatively less of a need to set the record straight – watch brands themselves are hardly able to keep things straight. Less is not zero though which is why I find myself inclined to ride to Tissot’s defence with regards to several spurious charges laid against it. These have been disappointing, although some issues are more understandable than others.
I will begin with the most egregious nothing-burger about something Tissot-related, and that has to do with the Powermatic 80 variant used in the hugely successful PRX. The claim here is that fine adjustment by an independent watchmaker or by an intrepid enthusiast is not possible. The claim goes even further to note that adjustment is all but impossible so if you send your watch for a repair and the issue is the regulating organ, it might be swapped out for a new one because that is just how it is built. These are the claims. The short response is already in the press materials for the movement, which specifically spell out that the balance is free-sprung.
The tl;dr here is that traditional regulating organs will have a couple of levers on the balance cock. Manipulating these is how you adjust the rate, with the most obvious lever being the one that has the + and – indicators. In newer movement architecture, these might be entirely absent because the hairspring is never to be directly meddled with. Instead, one adjusts the rate based on the large screws on the balance wheel. The advantage of this second system is that the manufacturer can better set the watch up to be as accurate as possible. In the simplest terms possible, and this is already very simplified, being able to adjust the rate without touching the hairspring is ideal. Adjustments are possible, just not by the average hobbyist. Perhaps the PRX is not the sort of watch you buy so you can tinker with it. If you do not like free-sprung balances, then there will be many watches that are not for you.
This leads directly into the next couple of points, which relate to price. The PRX is a relatively inexpensive watch, the operative word there being “relatively”. If you enjoy the look of the watch and feel it sits comfortably with your Royal Oak and Nautilus tickers, then it is indeed an accessibly priced watch. On the other hand, if shelling out for a four-figure watch gives you pause, then it is not that accessible. When it comes to taking a watch apart on your watchmaking bench, it is probably best to work with the most standard-issue models, with standard-issue parts. This would be the sort of watch where the cost to service it might well exceed what you paid for it at retail; this is not the PRX.
Somewhat hidden in the above passages is the concern about price, and it will be referenced again when we look at the matter of plastic parts in the movement. Before we get to the substance there, we should note again that price is relative and it goes a lot further than whether you should tinker with the watch or not. I think the PRX is aspirational for some, perhaps even independent of what that watch might reference. That is perfectly fine and really does not require the caveats I just deployed. If the watch makes you feel good and you feel good about it, keep on keeping on then. However, if this is you, the news about plastic parts might be a shock.
This brings us to the kicker, which is the use of a poorly perceived material that literally does not shine in a traditional movement. Tissot is one of very few brands that can claim legitimacy in the use of some kind of polymer in any form because it was the first watchmaker to build a movement out of plastic in 1971. From “Tissot: 150 Years of History,” we know Tissot was actively trying to build a movement out of plastic from the 1950s – we can say that this endeavour culminated in the Tissot Astrolon of 1971, but it actually continued outside the brand and found expression in the Swatch System 51. This might actually be part of the problem for Tissot, but Swatch Group has not asserted that the Powermatic 80 movement cannot be repaired (as it has with System 51).
At issue are the escape wheel and pallet fork (pictured opposite), which are made of a high-tech polymer, although details are unavailable and thus we will call this plastic. Anonymous experts agree that the plastic in use has advantages in being low-friction and thus, potentially able to outlast the same components in metal. With the advent of 3D printing, said parts can probably be produced relatively easily. Those who object to the idea of replacing parts are barking up the wrong tree. If that is a concern for you, then the PRX (or any watch using similar materials) is not for you.
The short of it is this: buying a mechanical watch is not an impulse decision, no matter the price. You should always consider very carefully what you are getting into because waiting to get it right will save you tears down the line.
This article was first published in WOW’s 2024 Spring Issue
For more on the latest, click here.
The post Setting the Record Straight on Tissot’s Powermatic 80 appeared first on LUXUO.
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Monday, March 25, 2024
Sales-Focused Fashion Industry Turns to Beauty
March 2024 sees the fashion industry enter a new precarious state. With a slew of longstanding creative directors stepping down, an impending economic downturn and sales slumps forcing brands to diversify, it appears as though the battle for profits comes down to the beauty industry. With consumers tightening their purse strings, brands are using their beauty and perfume lines vis-a-vis the “lipstick effect”, which is an economic term whereby customers are more likely to spend money on small indulgences like a premium lipstick as opposed to large purchases. LUXUO looks at how the fashion industry plans to leverage on its beauty counterparts in the near future.
Creative Director Conundrum
First, the creative director conundrum. Last week, Dries Van Noten released a statement confirming that he will be stepping down from his namesake brand at the end of June. “I want to shift my focus to all the things I never had time for. I’m sad, but at the same time, happy,” said the Belgian fashion designer. Shortly after, Valentino’s creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli announced that he would be leaving the Italian fashion house after 25 years to be a part of a new “creative organisation”. However, if Ludovic de Saint Sernin’s return to his eponymous brand upon leaving Ann Demeulemeester after a six-month stint in 2023 has taught us anything, it’s that nothing is set in stone. These industry shifts could be a sign of new creative direction as seen with Alessandro Michele’s Gucci and Jeremy Scott’s Moschino or perhaps by the decisions made by anonymous stockholders. Perhaps now is the new era of the “all-encompassing creative director” — the multi-hyphenate who understands fashion and fragrances.
If one recalls, it was Tom Ford that revolutionised the Gucci brand during his tenure from 1994 to 2004 with fragrances playing a key part of Gucci’s expansion strategy. Gucci Envy, Gucci Rush and Gucci Pour Homme contributed to the brand’s success in the perfume market but it was also his salacious campaigns that caused a controversy. At Gucci, he made the now-famous “G” logo “landing strip” for Gucci’s Spring/Summer 2003 campaign but his rise in olfactory success arrived when he helmed his eponymous label Tom Ford with the Black Orchid and Neroli Portofino fragrance in the early 2000s. The fragrance line was marred with controversy for its hypersexualised (and now banned) “vulva” campaign visual which was a not-so-subliminal connotation that the fragrance was the smell of a woman’s nether region. Alongside this, his salacious representation of Gucci’s brand image saved the company from near bankruptcy.
Sales Slump Saved by Perfume Power
Next came reports of luxury conglomerate Kering losing approximately USD 9 billion in market value after warning of a slump in China sales. As a result, luxury brands are turning to beauty. LUXUO previously discussed how luxury brands were leveraging on the growth of Southeast Asian countries. Now, LVMH-owned beauty brand Sephora aims to ride the “lipstick effect” wave as it sees more growth amid the continuing economic downturn.
As of 2023, LVMH’s Perfumes & Cosmetic sector is valued at USD 8,948 million with fragrance extensions of fashion houses including Stella by Stella McCartney, Parfums Christian Dior, Givenchy Parfums, Loewe Perfumes, Kenzo Parfums and most recently Celine Beauté. Large conglomerates understand the value of the beauty and fragrance industry. There is a reason why Kering does not own Gucci’s fragrance extension. In 2023, COTY CEO Sue Naby told journalists that “there will be no discussion on the renewal of any of our licences before at least 5 years,” when asked about whether Kering would take back the licence for beauty products for its fashion label Gucci.
Perfumes are no longer sold as separate entities but are now marketed as the sensorial counterpart to a brand’s sartorial selections and integrated into one’s wardrobe. Take Hugo Boss’ BOSS fragrance range for instance. Boss released a collection of 12 scents that mirror tailored pieces found in men’s wardrobes. From the Courageous Rose that is aimed to mirror the touch of a silk tie on a suit to The invincible Bergamot that forms a powerful liaison with an urban leather coat. In opposition to generic fragrance marketing that evokes a mood or a sensual “fantasy”, each composition is tailored to be paired with a fabric — from suede to silk or outfit the final touch on an individual’s look before heading out the door.
The Beauty Battle
Once again LVMH finds itself squaring up against Kering as Celine Beauté was announced earlier this month as the extension to the French luxury label under the helm of creative director Hedi Slimane. The creation of Celine beauté is an expansion from Celine’s haute parfumerie collection launched in 2019 and is aimed at enriching the cultural roots, “promoting a French idea of femininity and allure, distilled over the last five years” by Hedi Slimane in his new institutional codes for the Maison.
So why are fashion houses venturing into the beauty industry? First off, beauty allows for brand extension. By venturing into beauty and perfumes, fashion houses can extend their brand and offer a more comprehensive lifestyle experience to their customers. Beauty and fragrances allow fashion houses to reach a broader audience and engage with consumers who may not (in the current economic climate) purchase their clothing or accessories. This is how the aforementioned “lipstick effect” strategy by LVMH comes into play. The division that houses Sephora was LVMH’s fastest growing by sales in 2023, with the beauty retailer garnering a 20 percent increase in sales to approximately USD 19.3 billion and a 76 percent rise in profits to USD 1.51 billion. LVMH’s new strategy is to hone in on the resilience of the beauty industry to carry them through any impending economic downturns in 2024.
Read More: 9 Beauty Superstars in Focus
Next, the diversification in launching beauty and perfume lines allows fashion houses to branch out into new revenue streams and reduce dependency on a single product category. This diversification can help mitigate risks associated with fluctuations in fashion trends and economic conditions. Next, the demand for luxury beauty and fragrance products is not as competitive as that of luxury fashion. Consumers seek quality and prestige over exclusivity. Fashion houses leverage their brands’ prestige and craftsmanship to attract customers to their beauty and perfume offerings.
For more on the latest in fashion and beauty industry reads, click here.
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The Most Luxurious Hotels in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania may not be the first destination you think of when it comes to booking a luxury US getaway, but it offers some seriously stunning hotels that cater to the needs of every type of traveller, from beautiful accommodations to gorgeous views and world-class dining experiences.
With that being said, here are some of the most luxurious hotels in Pennsylvania:
The Rittenhouse Hotel – Philadelphia
First on our list, we have the Rittenhouse Hotel, which is located right in the heart of Philadelphia, The Rittenhouse Hotel offers a real luxurious retreat with stunning rooms and unparalleled service. This iconic hotel overlooks Rittenhouse Square and offers guests incredible views of the famous city skyline.
The Rittenhouse offers beautifully spacious rooms and suites that are filled with the most modern amenities and sophisticated decor. When you’re feeling a bit hungry, you can indulge in fine dining at the hotel’s award-winning restaurants — or relax with a rejuvenating treatment at the on-site spa. If you’re feeling a bit more energetic, the hotel also has a rooftop pool, fitness centre, and concierge services that cater to every need of all of its customers.
What’s more, with its prime location right near Philadelphia’s top attractions and landmarks, The Rittenhouse Hotel is the perfect destination whether you’re travelling for leisure or business – and want a refined urban getaway.
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort – Farmington
Next, we have Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, which you’ll find in the exquisite Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania — offering a luxurious getaway surrounded by natural beauty. This huge resort offers high-class accommodations, with stunning rooms, suites, and even luxury holiday homes.
As a guest, as well as taking in the views, you’ll be able to enjoy a wide range of activities – from golfing on championship courses to getting your boots on and exploring miles of hiking trails. You could even try your hand at more adrenaline-filled outdoor adventures – like zip-lining and off-road driving.
If you have had a hard day of hiking and zip-lining, you’ll probably want to take advantage of the resort’s world-class spa – and refuel at one of its many acclaimed dining options. You might also want to spend some time browsing the boutique shops.
For those feeling lucky, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort is home to one of the top casinos available in Pennsylvania — Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin, which offers thrilling gaming action with slots, table games, and more.
Whether you’re after relaxation or adventure, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort promises its guests a tranquil retreat with superb amenities and world-class hospitality in the gorgeous Pennsylvania countryside.
The Hotel Hershey – Hershey
Located in the pretty town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, The Hotel Hershey offers its guests an irresistible blend of luxury, history… and pure Hershey chocolate indulgence. This iconic hotel, built by Milton S. Hershey in 1933, is all about elegance and sophistication with its Spanish-Mediterranean architecture and superb amenities. Their stunning rooms and suites each offer their own comforts and charm.
The Hotel Hershey is famous for its impressive amount of activities – including golfing at the nearby Hershey Country Club, relaxing at the world-famous Chocolate Spa, and enjoying the attractions of Hershey’s Chocolate World. If you haven’t filled yourself up on all that chocolate, you can try out one of the hotel’s dining options — whether you want a fine dining experience or a more casual dinner, there’s something for all tastes — literally.
Whether you’re looking to indulge in a bit of a chocolate-themed getaway or explore the area’s attractions, it’s well worth a visit.
Mount Airy Casino Resort – Mount Pocono
In the gorgeous Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, you’ll find Mount Airy Casino Resort – which offers luxury and gaming. The resort offers players a sophisticated atmosphere with fantastic amenities and stunning views of the region.
If you like the thrills and spills of gaming, you can check out the on-site casino, which offers an excellent selection of slots, table games — and even poker tournaments. However, beyond the casino floor, Mount Airy offers all sorts of other amenities — including luxurious accommodations, award-winning eateries, and excellent spa services.
For those who love the outdoors, check out the hiking trails and golf courses or try out seasonal activities like skiing and snowboarding. Afterwards, you can relax in your stunning room – with its plush bedding, spacious bathrooms, and incredible views.
The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection by Hilton – Philadelphia
Right in the heart of Philadelphia’s cultural district, you’ll find The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection by Hilton, which offers easy access to the city’s very best tourist attractions. The hotel is the perfect combination of modern luxury and historic charm – with style, sophistication and some seriously great eateries.
The rooms and suites are filled with luxury and state-of-the-art technology – and outside the rooms, the hotel also offers lots of great amenities – including a fitness centre, rooftop pool, and spa.
With its convenient central location, as a guest, you’ll have easy access to Philadelphia’s world-renowned museums, theatres and restaurants. If you’re after the perfect blend of sophistication and comfort, book a room at The Logan Philadelphia.
All of these hotels offer seriously unforgettable experiences — whether you’re after relaxation, entertainment, or adventure… or all three.
For more on the latest in luxury hotel reads, click here.
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10 Trending Collector Cars to Watch in 2024
From French design icons and British luxobarges, to brawny German muscle cars and everything in between; these are the cars we think will occupy the spotlight in the new year.
1990s BMW Tourings
While Touring-badged Porsches have been generating considerable hype for some time, we feel that a different kind of Touring is cruising into the limelight, more specifically of the 1990s BMW variety. M-badged cars will always appeal to a wider demographic, but we’ve recently found ourselves gravitating towards Bavaria’s more subtle estates; both the E30 3-Series and E34 5-Series Tourings offer fabulous design, engaging handling, and oodles of practicality, making them our choice of daily-drivable modern classic for 2024. What’s more, while the M-badged Bimmers have long been big-ticket items, cars like the 325ix Touring have remained relatively affordable, while the E34 M5 Touring is worth it whatever the cost, in our humble opinion.
Bentley Continental GT
This is likely to be the first controversial entry on our list, and we can’t blame the naysayers. Not long ago, we would have turned our noses up at the first-generation Continental GT’s ovoid silhouette, but now that modern grand tourers are increasingly leaning towards the sportier (and larger) end of the spectrum, the uncluttered original is beginning to look sweeter by the year. Prices seem to have bottomed out for Bentley’s post-millennium GT, while well-maintained examples in desirable specifications are already creeping upwards, so act fast if you want one of the cleanest cross-continental soap bars on the market.
Ferrari 348
As the awkward middle child between the gorgeous 328 and the widely loved F355, the 348 has long been stuck in the shadows of its more popular stablemates. Prices seem to be reaching an all-time low too, with 348s fetching some shockingly affordable prices at auction. Yet, we just can’t seem to understand why. We love the 348’s baby Testarossa styling, and while it’s certainly not as fast as the 355 or any subsequent prancing horse, you don’t buy a 1990s Ferrari for the performance alone. We say forget the spec sheet at home, fire up that orchestral V8, and savour each open-gated gear shift knowing you’ve picked up one of the collector car market’s biggest bargains.
Lancia Fulvia
Is there another car that is as universally accepted and admired as the Fulvia that can be bought for around 20,000 euros? Thanks to the plethora of fabulous restomods from the likes of Kimera Automobili and Automobili Amos, the Lancia name has never been more relevant, and we wouldn’t be surprised if the Fulvia begins to appreciate as a result. Piero Castagnero’s fabulous FWD coupe is always an appropriate choice, whether you’re attending a world-class concours, or a parking lot-based cars and coffee meet, so why not pick up one of these V4-powered pocket rockets before the price begins to reflect the very appealing package?
Lotus Elise S1
If any of Lotus’ creations has recaptured the magic of the legendary, lightweight Elan, it’s the Elise S1. These composite-bodied sports cars offer one of the sweetest driving experiences at any price point, and with the Emira marking the death of the brand in all but name, this might be your last chance to experience one of these featherweight marvels without breaking the bank. The total production run of the Series 1 Elise fell far short of 10,000 units, and with a plethora of special editions to nerd out over, you’ll surely find a niche Elise that gets the nod of approval from those in the know the world over.
Maserati Khamsin
Like a hoard of car-obsessed zombies, we’ve picked the brains of every industry expert we could get our hands on in 2023, and if one car has come up time and time again, it’s the Maserati Khamsin. Maserati is looking healthier than ever in 2024, with a range of drool-worthy models like the MC20 and GranTurismo helping to sharpen the Trident’s image, so perhaps now is the time to add one of the most underrated cars of the 1970s to your garage. Boasting whiplash-inducing ‘origami’ styling so typical of Gandini’s work, the Khamsin backs up that visual feast with a mechanical beast hiding under that vast bonnet in the form of a 4930cc V8. As far as 1970s grand tourers go, it’s pretty hard to beat.
Mercedes-Benz AMG Black Series
Much like Porsche’s RS models, any Black Series Mercedes guarantees rarity, bombastic styling, and ludicrous performance in equal measure. The CLK has long been the automotive mascot for the Black Series badge, but if we had to pick just one (and we couldn’t quite afford the SLS Black Series) we would jump at the chance to acquire an SL65 Black Series. Not only is it capable of rearranging the continents with the seemingly endless pool of torque from that monstrous V12, but it was also the SL’s first and only fixed-roof coupe incarnation since the iconic gullwing. SL65 Black Series has continued to break auction records in 2023, and we wouldn’t be surprised if the trend continues for 2024, so don’t wait if you want to experience one of Affalterbach’s finest creations for yourself.
Saab 900 Turbo
They say you don’t appreciate what you have until it’s gone, and that’s definitely the case with the lovably weird (and extinct) Swedish marque, Saab. While they never quite achieved the fighter jet-esque driving experience the marketing material promised, cars like the 900 Turbo are still undeniably cool, even without afterburners. Boasting a turbocharger before it was a commonplace efficiency-focused add-on, the 900 Turbo offered 50 percent more power than its naturally aspirated sibling, making it the Swedish performance enthusiasts’ choice of the day. Also available in saloon and convertible variants, it’s the coupe that we’d love to have parked on our drive this year.
Porsche 997.1 Turbo Manual
It’s no secret among collectors that generally the models of choice for any brand must represent the first or last of their kind, and the 997.1-generation 911 Turbo is just that. Not only is the 997.1 one of the last small-bodied 911s, it’s also the final car to be fitted with the twin-turbocharged Mezger flat six adapted from the unit that propelled Porsche to a Le Mans victory in 1998. A less powerful variant of the same engine can be found in the 996 Turbo, and while we loved some fried eggs, we understand the 996 isn’t to everyone’s taste. By comparison, the 997.1 Turbo offers a body and cabin that are far easier to get along with, and that’s why we think this rear-engined wonder is one to watch this year.
Renault Twingo
It’s not often that our collective subconscious wakes up with a sudden and severe infatuation for a once-overlooked model, but that seems to have just happened with the first-generation Renault Twingo. Maybe it’s all the doom and gloom in the news, but the sight of the Twingo’s unquestionably happy front end certainly sparks joy for everyone in the Classic Driver office. Offered in a range of cheerful shades and a few 1990s-tastic special editions, the Twingo makes for the perfect holiday runabout or city cruiser. However, because these cars have been dirt cheap for so long, finding a well-maintained, low-mileage example is much easier said than done, so if you do, we say hold on and don’t let go!
Image credits: Alexis Bataillon / Autostorico / Bentley / Bonhams / DK Engineering / Eleven Cars / Mechanikus / Renault / RM Sotheby’s
This article was first seen on classicdriver.com
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