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.
On Top of the World
The International St. Moritz Automobile Week of 1929 and 1930 will be relaunched in 2021 St. Moritz The new edition of the historic Bernina mountain race, the Bernina Gran Turismo, has been in existence since 2015 and has long since gained a top place in the worldwide Historic Racing calendar. For many, this race on the Bernina Pass is considered the absolute highlight of the scene. Even in the Corona year 2020, when most events had to be cancelled, the Bernina Gran Turismo could be successfully held thanks to a good protection...
read moreA Decade of Riding Dapper
Coming up next month on 23rd May is an event you can join, wherever you may live – as long as you have a motorbike! The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride unites classic and vintage style motorcycle riders all over the world to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health. The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride was founded in Sydney, Australia, by Mark Hawwa. It was inspired by a photograph of TV Show Mad Men’s Don Draper astride a classic bike and wearing his finest suit. Mark decided a themed ride would be a...
read moreHot Ticket
The third edition of the AXA Sydney Harbour Concours d’Elegance was, as one leading PR man said, “On a busy weekend socially in Sydney, it seemed to be THE hottest ticket in town, that’s for sure! Entirely inspiring”, whilst one of the entrants enthused, “Thank you again for a splendid and world class event once again. Thursday, Friday and Saturday all had something special each day.” Swifts and the AXA Sydney Harbour Concours from the air. From the Southern Hemisphere launch of the stunning McLaren Elva show-car in Gulf Livery in front of...
read moreLet’s do the Concours again!
Yes, it is that time of year again – as one kind soul said, “We are so excited and looking forward to your Concours. It’s really the highlight of the year here in Australia!”. It is time for the third edition of the AXA Sydney Harbour Concours d’Elegance to be held at Swifts, the glorious 1873 gothic-revival castellated mansion with its incredible gardens. All things being equal, this year should be amazing; from a 1922 Delage with an 18.5 litre Hispano Suiza engine to a 16-cylinder, 4 turbocharger 2006...
read moreAn elegant drive day for distinguished people!
The AXA Sydney Harbour Concours d’Elegance is very pleased to announce its first classic drive outing to be run in conjunction with the Concours on Saturday 6th March 2021. The Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive https://www.gentlemansdrive.com/ is a themed, charity classic car run dedicated to raising funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men’s mental health on behalf of Movember, and brought to you by the experts behind The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride https://www.gentlemansride.com/ . As part of the 2021 AXA Sydney Harbour...
read moreIt’s in the bag!
As an ambassador to the fab motoring clothing brand Suixtil, I am pleased to be taking pre-orders for this excellent and very useful new touring bag. Updated from its original design and now available in the exciting new colour of Forest Green as well as Navy Blue, these cotton canvas and leather touring bags are a must for any classic motorist. The cost is US$100 including postage and packing. To place your order please email me at james@marinamarini.com.au
read moreWhat’s in a number(plate)?
If you are fascinated about why some people collect vehicle registration plates, you might like to listen to me being interviewed by Jacinta Parsons, on the Afternoon Show on ABC Radio Melbourne earlier today.
read moreFriends in High Places
My good friend, Nigel Matthews , Global Brand Ambassador for Hagerty, has been appointed chairman of the International Chief Judge Advisory Group (ICJAG), an esteemed body of veteran vintage-car judges who bring consistency and fairness to the world’s most prestigious concours. I last saw Nigel in February in India at the incredible 21 Gun Salute in Delhi, where we were both on the judging panel, as we were at the Zoute GP in Belgium just 12 months ago. Nigel has been at the pinnacle of his craft for more than forty years. A licensed...
read moreIts that time of Yearbook again!
Despite the time of turmoil in which we find ourselves, the classic car market soldiers on and auctions continue to take place. It is important then if you have an interest in classic automobiles to keep your finger on the pulse, and there is no better way to do this than by that invaluable reference and resource, the Classic Car Yearbook produced by Historica Selecta. The 25th Edition of the Classic Car Auction Yearbook will be launched at Auto e Moto d’Epoca at the Padua Exhibition Centre on October 22nd, and as the official...
read moreA GREAT TOUR
The inaugural Southern Classic Drive, taking in the Blue Mountains, Nattai National Park, Jerrawangala National Park, the Great Eastern Escarpment, the Southern Highlands, Saddleback Mountain, Royal National Park. 3 days 1000 kilometres Plus two track events at Luddenham Raceway and Wakefield Park Raceway. And lots of great meals and wine!
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