On the eve of this weekend's Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, the unique Ferrari SP38 has broken cover. Built under Ferrari's One-Off program, the SP38 is based on the acclaimed 488 GTB underpinnings. The all-new wedge shape was penned at the Ferrari Design Centre and is loosely inspired by the great V8-engined Ferraris of the past like 308 GTB and F40. Although we do not yet know the identity of the person that commissioned the car, we strongly believe that the SP38, nick-named Deborah will call Switzerland home.
This weekend, the one-off Ferrari will be part of the show at Villa d'Este of which you can expect our familiar comprehensive coverage early next week.

This weekend the Circuit de Spa Francorchamps hosted the eighth annual Spa Classic. A true feast for enthusiasts of classic protoypes, GTs and touring cars, this year's edition featured bumper grids with some truly great cars. Among them were a pair of Jaguar XJR-14s, ex-works BMW 3.0 CSL and Ford Capri RS, and many great Ferraris and Porsches. It looked it would be a highly unusual (sunny) event but a hail storm late on Sunday afternoon provided the prove that we were really at Spa. There was some superb racing throughout the weekend and particularly the two night races on Saturday were a sight to behold.
Our photographers spent the entire weekend trackside and have penned down the highlights in this concise report, which is illustrated by this 280-shot gallery.

Less than two years after the DB11 has entered production, Aston Martin have already managed to improve the car to create the DB11 AMR. Superseding the original V12-engined model, the more poised AMR features a more powerful engine and a revised suspension honed with the help of former Lotus chassis guru and Aston's Chief Engineer Matt Becker. The 630 bhp DB11 AMR is available immediately and is priced at just over GBP 200,000.
Also launched during last weekend's Nurburgring 24 Hours was this Porsche 911 GT3 R. Based on the new GT3 RS, Porsche's latest racer will be available next year to compete in the GT3 class around the world. With the recently introduced GT3 RS road car, Porsche managed to homologate a more aggressive aerodynamics package, which should help improve the performance. The four-litre engine of the 911 GT3 R is tuned to produce as much of 550 bhp in unrestricted trim.
Dutch specialist manufacturer Donkervoort have celebrated their 40th anniversary. The occasion was marked by the introduction of the limited edition D8 GTO-40. The fastest Donkervoort yet, the car is even lighter than the regular production D8 GTO. Fittingly, the anniversary model will be strictly limited to 40 examples.
With the introduction of the GT S Roadster Mercedes-AMG have completed the line-up of the drop-top version of their range topping model. Powered by a 515 bhp version of the twin-turbo V8, the 'S' sits between the 'base' and 'C' models in the GT Roadster range.

One of the most prestigious events on the historic racing calendar is the biennial Monaco Historic Grand Prix. Especially for single seater racing cars, it is the blue ribband event for many of the same reasons like the annual round of the World Championship. It features the same unique and glamorous setting with a track that is actually not really suited to racing and is lined on one side by ever taller buildings and on the other by ever bigger yachts. For many, to enter in the Historic Grand Prix is already a great honour, and cars eligible for the event have become very hot properties. Competing alongside enthusiast owners themselves these days are also many professionals, who provide an insight of what it was like when these machines were raced in period. Among the highlights of the weekend were a fine selection of twelve-cylinder engined Grand Prix cars from Ferrari, BRM and Matra and also a demonstration run of the freshly restored Lamborghini Marzal show car that starred at the 1967 Monaco Grand Prix in the hands of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace.
Having, unfortunately, missed the tenth edition due to a scheduling conflict we were back in the Principality to cover the 11th Monaco Historic Grand Prix with our concise report illustrated by an action-packed 230-shot gallery.

This weekend, we will be at Monaco for the biennial Historic Grand Prix. As a side program to the event, there will be several auctions, two of which include a fabulous selection of Grand Prix cars. At the RM Sotheby's sale on Saturday, a pair of 1990s Formula 1 cars will cross the block. The earliest is the very first Benetton B192. Designed by Rory Byrne and Ross Brawn, it debuted at Barcelona in the hands of Michael Schumacer, who qualified and finished second. The B192 is significant in being the first car that saw the dream team of Byrne, Brawn and Schumacher work together. Raced during the final year of the decade, is the Jordan 199 Mugen. With a pair of wins and numerous points finishes, this was the most successful of all Jordan Grand Prix cars. Chassis 199-03 on offer was used during the opening rounds of the 1999 season and carried Heinz-Harald Frentzen to a second and a third.
The Bohams auction on Friday features a pair of significant cars raced by the late, great Ayrton Senna. The earliest is this Toleman TG 184, which the Brazilian used during his breakthrough drive at Monaco back in 1984. In torrential conditions, he was chasing down McLaren's Alain Prost for the victory until the race was red flagged. He would go on to win the race many times and the final one was with this McLaren MP4/8 that has also been consigned to the sale. Another interesting machine on offer by Bonhams is this Ferrari F1/87. Raced during the 1987 season, it was very fast but ultimately too unreliable to really make a difference until right at the end of the year.

This weekend, the FIA WEC super season kicked off with the Six Hours of Spa Francorchamps. It was no surprise that the factory Toyotas dominated the race. Several privateer teams fought for the best of the rest position with brand new LMP1 prototypes. Fastest of all proved to be the Rebellion R-13 Gibson. Developed by Oreca, the new racer is effectively a development of the Oreca 07 LMP2 car. The Gibson engine used is also an evolution of the LMP2 unit, now displacing 4.5 litres and producing 665 bhp. The new R-13s finished third and fourth but the third placed car was disqualified due to a technicality.
During the weekend, Aston Martin Racing also revealed their plans for GT3 and GT4 version of the Vantage that made its competition debut at Spa. Like its sister car, the new racers will feature a version of the twin-turbo V8 also used in the road car. Both the GT3 and GT4 cars will be ready early next year and due for homologation in March.
Lotus have created yet another new version of the existing Exige model. Dubbed the Sport 410, it uses a 410 bhp version of the supercharged Toyota V6 engine. The very quick machine will be available as both coupe and roadster versions.
At the annual Worthersee meeting later this week, Volkswagen is due to reveal this Golf GTI TCR. It is inspired by the WTCR racing car and features a 285 bhp version of the familiar direct injection, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Further details will follow.

Last night, the highly anticipated Brabham BT62 supercar finally broke cover. The venue was the Australia House in London, which was a fitting reference to the company's mixed Anglo-Australian roots. The intriguing car was developed from scratch and in complete secrecy during the last two years to be ready in time to mark Brabham's 70th anniversary. A mid-engined supercar, the BT62 combines a 700bhp V8 with a dry weight of just 972kg. A sophisticated aerodynamics package develops a hefty 1,200kg of downforce. Production is strictly limited to just 70 examples and the car is priced at GBP 1 million before taxes. Each of the first 35 cars will all be finished in a livery that corresponds with one of Brabham's 35 Grand Prix victories. Accordingly, the BT62 revealed yesterday matches the Brabham BT7 which was driven to Brabham's first two Grand Prix wins by the late, great Dan Gurney. It is still actively raced by an American enthusiast who saw Gurney win Brabham's first in the French Grand Prix, and he will be back in action next week for the biennial Monaco Historic Grand Prix.
While we were in France for the Tour Auto, BMW revealed this Concept iX3 to showcase one of the future all electric models that will be added to the company's line up. Already due for production is the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid. The plug-in hybrid combines a turbocharged V6 with an electric motor for a combined system output of 456 bhp. Impressively, almost all of the combined 700 Nm of torque is already available from just above idle.

We spent the better part of last week in France to chase the 27th annual Tour Auto. The five-day road rally ranks among the most exciting and gruelling events of its type, covering over 2,000km on the road and additional time on four circuits for separate races. This year's edition took the drivers from the Grand Palais down the Eastern part of the country to finish in Nice, on the Cote d'Azur. This meant that many of the roads ran on the famous hills and mountains, providing many of the country's most spectacular backdrops. Among the highlights this year was a trek over the Col des Aravis, a special stage on the flank of the legendary Mont Ventoux and a final stage on the mythical Col de Turini. In addition to showing off France, the Tour Auto is also a real race and we were treated to some superb driving and last minute drama. The entry list featured such highlights as a Shelby Cobra Daytona, a Ferrari 250 MM, three OSCAs, numerous Porsche 911 Carrera RSRs and a trio of Ford GT40s.
Eight days of non stop work have resulted in this truly mesmerising 270-shot gallery that serves to illustrate a day-by-day report.

This summer, Volkswagen and driver Romain Dumas will venture to extreme heights with the I.D. R Pikes Peak. As the name suggests, the new VW racing car has been custom built for to conquer one of the world's most famous hill climbs. Built around carbon-fibre monocoque, the I.D. R features a pair of electric motors, respectively powering the front and rear wheels. The combined output is a hefty 670hp, which helps the car accelerate to 100 km/h in a staggering 2.25 seconds in the best conditions. The I.D. R would not be a proper Pikes Peak special without a wild aerodynamics package, which includes an absolutely massive rear wheel. VW and Dumas have set their sights on the 8:57 minute track record during the race, scheduled on June 24.
During the Espiritu de Montjuic earlier this month, we were treated what was effectively a revival of the TWR Jaguar team with a pair of Jaguar XJR-8 Group C cars taking to the track. Two of the three built ahead of the 1987 season, the cars boasts all the right ingredients from the howling V12 engine down to the legendary Silk Cut livery. We have used the opportunity to redo the features of both chassis J12-C-187 and J12-C-387 with fresh sets of images.
This week, we will be racing around France to capture the annual Tour Auto. A full report will follow early next week but to get you in the mood, we would like to refer to our archived articles from earlier editions.

As part of next month's Monaco Historic Grand Prix weekend, RM Sotheby's will stage an exclusive auction in the principality on the Mediterranean Coast. Headlining the biennial sale is this fabulous Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France. The car consigned is the second to last example built with the three louvre body. It was delivered new to accomplished German racer Wolfgang Seidel, who also shared a Ferrari 250 TR with his compatriot and works driver Wolfgang von Trips during the 1958 season. Seidel raced the car with great success, scoring an outright win in the Eiffelrennen. During the last four decades, chassis 0879GT has had just two owners and was only rarely seen in public. RM Sotheby's estimate that the Ferrari competition car will sell for 7 million Euro.
Consigned from a considerable Porsche collection is this unique Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7. One of the 200 'Sport' or 'Lightweight' examples built, this car was especially commissioned by works driver Leo Kinnunen. It is one of two RS 2.7s fitted with 'ST' style flared wheel arches and the only one with a RS 3.0 style rear wing. Kinnunen first used the car as a 'recce' vehicle for the 1973 1000 Lakes Rally and it later also served as the Finn's daily driver. Presented in highly original condition and boasting unique features and a superb provenance, chassis 911 360 1177 should be one of the most desirable of all 2.7 Carreras, which is reflected in the 1.4 - 1.8 million Euro estimate.
Ahead of the official launch next month, Brabham Automotive have now released a first glimpse and more details of the upcoming BT62. The high performance machine will feature a naturally aspirated V8 engine that is good for over 700hp. Impressively, the dry weight will be just 972kg. All this will not come cheap as the Brabham BT62 will cost £1 million plus local taxes.

During one of our many travels during the 2017 season, we stopped over in Munich, Germany to visit the BMW Museum. Opened to the public in 2008, the museum is part of the massive and impressive BMW Welt building. It offers enthusiasts an in-depth insight in the history of the German mark through numerous displays that included road and competition cars, motorcycles and engines. We have captured the highlights in this 90-shot gallery that serves to illustrate a concise report.
Speaking of BMW, the German manufacturer today announced the first ever M2 Competition. Powered by a 410 hp version of the familiar twin-turbo, straight-six engine and equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox from standard, the compact coupe should be an absolute hoot to drive. The M2 Competition will be available in the Summer.
British company Aston Martin will revive the DBS and Superleggera badges for the upcoming flagship model. Known as the DBS Superleggera, the name harks back at the DBS first introduced in 1967 and the Touring Superleggera bodied Aston Martins of the 1950s and 1960s. Aston Martin plan to reveal further details of the DBS Superleggera before the end of this quarter.

During last week's Espiritu de Montjuic there were many familiar machines in action at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. To make things interesting several cars were campaigned that we had not seen on track before. One of the most interesting was this Lola T600 Cosworth that was raced in the Classic Endurance Racing 2 group. Built in 1981, it is one of the first sports racing cars with full ground-effect aerodynamics and as such provided a first glimpse of the new Group C cars that followed the following year. Powered by the Cosworth DFV and later DFL V8, it won two rounds of the sports car championship in 1981. Fully rebuilt over the winter, the T600 is definitely one of the fastest cars eligible in CER2.
In the CER1 race, we were treated to a very special Porsche 911 Carrera RSR 2.8, which was reunited with its original driver Jacques Almeras. Sold new to France, it was driven to the Group 4 French hill-climb championship by Almeras before it was fitted with the 'Mary Stuart' tail with the help of the factory. In this guise the 911 Carrera RSR 2.8 placed twice overall in the Tour de France.
After being owned for over two decades by Dire Straits singer Mark Knopfler, this Maserati 300S made its debut in the hands of the new, Spanish owner. The car has had an interesting history, first in Brazilian and later Australian hands. Beautifully prepared, the 300S was the only Maserati in action during the weekend.