Beating the Tamburo!
The opportunity to take more than one friend or member of the family in a Lamborghini has not been possible since the demise of the fabled LM in 1993. Until now that is, with the launch of the new Lamborghini Urus. Whilst the LM was more of a truck (the ‘Rambo-Lambo’ conspicuous by lack of even a mention at the launch at Barangaroo in Sydney), the new Urus is a luxury super suv. At its Oceania premiere I was able to sample the new Lamborghini experience, which combines the DNA and qualities of the current Lamborghini offering. Take the very best bits of the Huracán and the Aventador super sports cars, such as four-wheel steering and carbon ceramic brakes, throw in air suspension and lots of other high-tech stuff including torque vectoring, and Lamborghini has created an SUV capable of 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds with a top speed of 305 km/h. Despite its increased centre of gravity and the fact that it is much higher and heavier than the other models from Sant’Agata Bolognese, the Urus is capable of stopping from 100 km/h to a stand-still in just 33.7 metres
This is a sports car on steroids that is capable of running on sand, snow, gravel, race-track or tarmac, with breathtaking performance and amazing all round capability. This is in no small part due to its exciting new V8 4.0 litre twin-turbo engine, the first occasion that Lamborghini has utilised turbo power. All controlled from the Tamburo, or Drum at the centre of the ultra-modern interior which comfortably seats four. And the name, well, as has been the tradition at Lamborghini, the name Urus is derived from the world of bulls. The Urus, also known as Aurochs, is a wild ancestor of domestic cattle. The Spanish fighting bull, as bred for the past half-millennia, is still close to the Urus in its appearance.
Spreading the Gospel
Herewith below, some recent examples of my work that perhaps make for interesting reading that have appeared in Singapore (Jetgala), Australia (Signature Luxury Travel & Style), New Zealand (NZ Classic Car), and Prewarcar.com (The Netherlands). You may also have seen my words and pictures in the last couple of issues of UK magazines, Octane, and Classic Boat. Highlights from Heveningham Hall Concours d’Elegance 120-123 SIG30 Cars – Concorso NZCC_332 Pg 38-44 JETGALA 36, LUXE_a master of his time, james nicholls JETGALA 36, RIDE_a...
read moreIn an English country garden
Going to the Heveningham Hall Concours d’Elegance, deep in the Suffolk countryside of East Anglia, is like stepping back in time. This is no doubt what it would have been like in Georgian times when the Lord of the Manor and local vicar handed out the prizes at the country fair. For, not only is there a Motorsport Concours d’Elegance held in the beautiful gardens at the rear of the majestic house, in the meadows in front of this remarkable Grade 1 listed Georgian mansion built in 1780 by Sir Robert Taylor for Sir Gerald Vanneck. There is also...
read moreAnd Friends
I was at a cocktail party for MB&F (Maximilian Büsser and Friends) watches the other evening and later conducted an exclusive interview with the charismatic founder Max Büsser, “When I launched the Company everybody told me it’s the worst name ever. You can’t call a high-end watchmaking brand Friends. And I said well that’s the only word I have. And it’s funny because 13 years later, success makes you sexy and so everyone’s like, oh great name.” Here is an example of the time machines coming out of his horological laboratory....
read moreEuropean Grand Tour
I had a blast on my European Grand Tour recently as these pictures hopefully show. Editorial enquiries welcome. First Stop – Classic Boat Rally in Venice Second Stop – Vogalonga Venice Third Stop – The Old Ginetta Factory in Witham, Essex Final Stop – Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza
read moreThe Kellner Affair
‘The Kellner Affair’, by Peter Larsen and Ben Erickson and published by Dalton Watson Fine Books is a remarkable book. But how to categorise it, what is the genre and where should one place it on one’s bookshelf? For place it on one’s bookshelf, if it is sturdy enough to handle the weight of this three-volume tome, one certainly should. On March 21, 1942, five members of a French resistance group operating in Paris were executed by the Nazis at Mont Valérien just outside the city. Two more had been sentenced to deportation to Germany....
read moreThank you Henry.
Those people at Ford are very nice. For my big trip to Crowdy Head to cover the beach trials (cf previous post) they lent me a very nice Ranger Wildtrak. I must admit I was rather impressed with its comfort and all round ability and it certainly made my life a lot easier. Sometimes one forgets what great cars this popular marque can and does make. If I were ever to drive to Uluru, the real one, not this service station pictured on the Pacific Highway, I am sure it would make a pretty reliable companion. Thank you Henry Ford and all those who...
read moreOn The Beach
Just got back from the Drag-ens Sydney Hot Rodders weekend at Crowdy Beach. A great day out, over 1,000 spectators watching pre-1941 cars and motorbikes doing their stuff on the sand. It may not have been the Monaco Historic GP held on the same weekend, but having already attended the festivities in the Principality, I was keen to enjoy some late-autumn sunshine on the NSW coast of Australia looking out over the Pacific Ocean. For those of you who like a little sand between your toes, here is just a taste of what you missed!
read moreTwo More Beauties For Sale
Every now and then I alert you to cars with interesting stories that are available through me. If you are a potential buyer and wish to learn more, please do not hesitate to get in touch (james@marinamarini.com.au), if you are simply a voyeur then simply enjoy. 1956 Cooper-Climax T39 Bob-tail Mk II Originally owned by Lance Reventlow, once described as, “..the richest baby in the world.” Reventlow was the son of Barbara Hutton (who at one time was married to Cary Grant) and heir to the Woolworth fortune....
read moreA Different Perspective
Please take a look at my article published by Perspective Magazine on architects, designers and their cars. http://www.perspectiveglobal.com/lifestyle/what-type-of-cars-do-architects-drive/ With coverage of cutting edge design concepts, global trends and interviews with influential leading designers Perspective is a vital source of information for architects and design professionals. For more than a decade it has covered the architecture, interiors and design markets in Asia and beyond.
read moreCue Red Ruby
Offers are invited for these two incredible motor cars, both with outstanding provenance and history. To find out more please contact me directly – james@marinamarini.com.au 1934 MG Q-Type – chassis #0257; Australian delivered; number 7 of just 8 built; ex-Hope Bartlett, Jumbo Goddard; superb condition; extensive history file confirming provenance; export licence. 1937 Alvis 4.3 litre – Australian delivered; one-off Vanden Plas coachwork; current (second) owner since 1949; Factory build sheet; highly authentic;...
read more