Graham Hill was one of the most successful racing drivers of the 1960s and early 1970s, and he is still the only one to have won the Monaco Grand Prix, Indy 500, 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Formula 1 World Championship; the Grand Slam of motorsport. When his age caught up with him in the early 1970s, there was not longer a seat available in one of the top teams. This prompted him to set up his own team with the backing of the Embassy tobacco company at the start of the 1973 season. Sadly an airplane crash late in 1975, which claimed the lives of Hill, his chief designer and driver, brought an abrupt end to the team. Today we pay tribute to efforts of Graham Hill and his team with a feature of three cars used during the three seasons.
The first car to wear the lovely Embassy colours was a customer Shadow DN1 Cosworth. As this was also the first Shadow Formula 1 car, it was not particularly reliable. The works team did manage to score some points. Our 29-shot gallery includes pictures of both the Embassy Hill car and one of the works examples.
For the 1974 season, Hill commissioned the bespoke Lola T370 Cosworth. It was more reliable than the Shadow but not quite on the pace yet. Hill did manage to finish sixth in the Swedish Grand Prix, scoring the team's very first points.
Taking matters into their owns hands in 1975, the team developed the Lola into the Hill GH1 Cosworth, while a brand new car was readied for the 1976 season. It proved to be another difficult season with Hill retiring as driver halfway through the year and second driver Rolf Stommelen suffering injuries after a crash. Their replacements did manage to score three points. Sadly, the subsequent GH2 was never raced as the team suffered the fatal crash after returning from a test with the new car late in 1975.

Alfa Romeo and its competition subsidiary Autodelta developed and campaigned Tipo 33-dubbed sports racers for the better part of the decade. Although all of them shared the same typename, the various evolutions could be considered separate models in their own right. The most successful of these is the 33/TT/12, which was introduced halfway through the 1973 season. It combined a tubular chassis with a brand new flat-12 engine. After two difficult seasons, the 33/TT/12 really came into its own in 1975 when it won seven World Championship rounds and also the Targa Florio. At the end of the year, Alfa Romeo was crowned World Sportscar Champion for the first time. Over the years, we captured five different examples as can be seen in our 59-shot gallery, which serves to illustrate an all-new article.
Following the S60 version announced earlier this year, Volvo has also added a Polestar tuned V60 to the line-up. Like the sedan variant, it boasts a 350 hp engine and an all-wheel drive system. Both the S60 Polestar and V60 Polestar will be available in select markets from June of 2014.
Very positive news from the world of sports car racing reached us yesterday; Dome and Strakka Racing have teamed to develop and build the new Strakka Dome S103 Nissan LMP2 racer. Due to race in the opening round of the FIA World Endurance Championship, the lovely coupe promises to be a front runner in the highly competitive LMP2 class.

The 50th anniversary of the iconic Porsche 911 has been celebrated throughout the year. One of the main reasons the flat-six engined machine has achieved the legendary status it holds today is the success on the race track, particularly in long distance events. It is hard to imagine a sports car and/or GT race without a 911 variant on the grid. In the first years of the 911 production, Porsche focused on their prototype effort and with the odd exception did not race the 911 until the 1973. That year the 911 Carrera RSR made its competition debut. In the hands of the works supported Brumos squad the car won the Daytona 24 Hours at its very first outing. Back in Europe, the biggest success for the factory cars was an outright win in the Targa Florio. In total Porsche built eight development and work cars of which two are featured in our 15-shot gallery, including the Targa Florio winner, which was shown at Pebble Beach this year.
The immediate successor to the development/works RSR was powered by a turbocharged engine and ultimately led to the creation of the 935, which go on to dominate the Group 5 class for many years. Among the most successful of the many 935 derivatives is the Kremer-built 935 K3. Its single biggest win came in 1979 when one of Kremer's own cars was driven to an outright victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This very car was also shown at Pebble Beach this year and deservedly won the special class for competition 911s. To mark that occasion, we have added more shots to our ever expanding gallery, which now boasts 115 shots of eight different examples.

Last night's Art of the Automobile sale, hosted by RM Auctions in association with Sotheby's in New York, was very successful with a very nice Ferrari 250 LM grabbing the headlines, after selling for a startling $14.3 million. You can find the full results here.
European rivals Bonhams and Artcurial are also gearing up for major auctions; The London Sale and the Retromobile Sale respectively. In London, Bonhams will offer the complete collection of Ecurie Ecosse cars and matching truck owned by Dick Skipworth. One of our favourites is the one-off Tojeiro Jaguar. It was raced only briefly in period but in more recent years it has been extensively campaigned, predominantly with Barrie 'Whizzo' Williams behind the wheel. Amazingly, the car has not missed a Goodwood Revival meeting and it is pictured in our 35 shot gallery at every Revival we have attended.
Artcurial meanwhile will host a two-day sale at Retromobile early in February, which will include the unique Ferrari 166 MM/53 Oblin Barchetta. Originally fitted with a Vignale Berlinetta body, it was extensively raced by its first, Belgian owner. He had the body replaced by local coach-builder Martial Oblin with the striking Barchetta body it still wears today. Beautifully restored in recent years, it has only seen very few outings.
Among the new cars revealed in Los Angeles we missed on Wednesday are the Subaru WRX and the Mercedes-Benz Concept GLA 45. While the latter is a near production ready show car, the all-new WRX is ready to hit the streets. Replacing the 2.5 litre engine, it features a 268 bhp, turbocharged flat four. It comes standard with a six-speed manual gearbox and a CVT automatic is available as an option.

It has been a busy day with new releases coming from both the Los Angeles Auto Show and Tokyo Motor Show press days. One of the most highly anticipated machines revealed today was the fixed-head version of the highly acclaimed Jaguar F-Type. The range will be topped by the F-Type R Coupe, which is powered by the 550 hp version of the supercharged V8 also found in the XFRS. In addition to the eight cylinder engined model, the F-Type Coupe will also be available with a V6 engine.
Also in Los Angeles, Porsche took the wraps off the Macan. The compact SUV comes with a choice of diesel and petrol engines, with the Macan Turbo offering the most performance at 340 hp courtesy of a twin turbo V6.
In Tokyo, Nissan revealed two versions of the same concept car; the IDx Freeflow and the IDx Nismo. The striking machines evoke the lines of the evocative Datsun 510, especially the Nismo version, which boasts the period racing colour scheme.
Lexus officially revealed the RC 350 two-door coupe. The conventionally engined machine will be powered by a 314 bhp V6, which drives the rear wheels through an eight-speed gearbox.
Motorcycle manufacturer Yamaha showed their idea of a compact city car in the form of the MOTIV.e. The sophisticated machine is built using the Gordon Murray devised 'iStream' manufacturing technology.

On the eve of the Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan have announced the GT-R Nismo, due to hit the streets in the spring of 2014. Developed by Nissan Motorsport using components from the GT3 racer, it features a 591 bhp version of the familiar twin-turbo V6 engine. Most impressively, works driver Michael Krumm has lapped the Nurburgring with the GT-R Nismo in just 7:08.679; a full ten seconds quicker than the previous fastest time with a GT-R.
Honda meanwhile have released further images of the upcoming Civic Type R, which is pictured during tests in Japan. As announced before, it will be the first Civic Type R powered by a turbocharged engine.
A similar engine is also found in the all-new, third generation MINI Cooper S, which was announced last night and will be shown both in Tokyo and Los Angeles this week. Slightly larger than the outgoing model, the range-topping 'S' is powered by a turbocharged, two-litre straight four, which is good for 189 bhp.
Altogether more powerful is the Callaway SS courtesy of a supercharged version of the LS3 engine found in the standard Chevrolet SS. This 6.2-litre V8 is good for 570 bhp, which allows the big four-door sedan to accelerate to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. The Callaway SS is available through Callaway authorised Chevrolet dealers right now.

Having focused on Group C and the World Championship with the 956, Porsche finally answered their North American customers' requests in 1984 with the 962 built to the IMSA GTP regulations. Although similar to the 956 used in Europe, the new Porsche racer differed in detail in order to meet the slightly different GTP regulations. It proved equally successful and eventually ended its career with no fewer than 54 outright victories to its tally. In addition to the factory cars, privately built chassis, fully sanctioned by Porsche, were also raced and often included more sophisticated monocoques and aerodynamics. Today we take a detailed look at the all-conquering Porsche 962 with a concise article and a 78-shot gallery, which includes images of seven different examples.
Over the weekend, Mercedes-Benz announced the AMG Vision Gran Turismo, which will star in the upcoming video game Gran Turismo 6. Designed in the German manufacturer's California-based design centre, it is a concept for a future super sports car. Although the 1:1 model does not feature an engine, the in-game model is powered by a 585 hp version of the familiar twin-turbo V8 engine produced by AMG.

Before we talk about the interesting racing cars featured today, we would like send our best wishes to Dario Franchitti, who announced his retirement on doctors' advice following his horrific crash at Houston. Earlier this year we captured him driving the Indy-winning Lotus 38 Ford of his hero Jimmy Clark, leading fellow racing legends Jackie Stewart and John Surtees.
The earliest of the competition cars added today is the Talbot Lago T26 SS. Built in 1938, it was the first Talbot Lago to use the 4.5 litre straight six engine, which would go on to power the successful post-War racers as well. In our 34-shot gallery we have captured two of the three examples constructed.
Following the announcement earlier this week about the potential return of Tiga to Le Mans, we have today highlighted one of the marque's earlier Le Mans racers; the CG287 Rover. Our article includes two of the five examples built in 1987, which competed on both sides of the Atlantic with some success.
Considerably more succesful was the Ralt RT3, which was one of the leading Formula 3 cars of the early 1980s. Our feature car, powered by a Toyota Celica engine, holds the distinction being driven by the great Ayrton Senna to his first Formula 3 victory in England back in 1982.

Headlining the highly anticipated RM Auctions / Sotheby's Art of the Automobile sale in New York next week is a lovely preserved Ferrari 250 LM. The specific example due to cross the block has rarely been seen in recent years and has a staggering pre-sale estimate of $12 - $15 million. In addition to chassis 6107, our very detailed 250 LM feature now includes the specifics of 16 other chassis, illustrated by a spectacular 214-shot gallery.
Another Ferrari that is on the lot list in New York is a custom bodied 250 Europa GT Coupe. Although similar to the 'standard' 250 Europa GT, chassis 0407GT boasts an elongated nose and tail, which offered a first glimpse of Pinin Farina's design for future Ferrari models. An altogether more modern Ferrari is the F310B of 1997 vintage. This Formula 1 racer was driven by both Michael Schumacher and Eddie Irvine. The example on offer was the penultimate built to a slightly lighter specification.
Very successful during the 1970s and 1980s, Tiga Race Cars has recently been resurrected. The ambitious company now intends to return to Le Mans with the Judd V8-engined LM214. The car is based on the Embassy Racing WF01 but will feature various updates to ensure it meets the current regulations.
Lotus meanwhile have released the first details of the Elise S Cup R. Powered by a 217 bhp version of the supercharged Toyota four-cylinder engine, it will be eligible for all the Lotus Cup series around the world in 2014.

Built for the 1958 edition of the Race of Two Worlds at Monza, the Maserati 420/M/58 Eldorado remains as the last single seater racing car built by Maserati and it was also one of the first if not the first European competition car painted in sponsor colours. The car combines a 250F chassis with a downsized V8 used by the mighty 450S sports racer. Stirling Moss drove the car and, while outpaced by the American cars, proved to be the fastest European machine. In 1959, it was brought to Indy but failed to qualify. Retained by Maserati, it is today part of the fantastic Panini Maserati Collection as can be seen in our 20-shot gallery of this unique machine.
As explained last week, we have made some subtle changes to the way we store our images. This inspired us to completely redo our article on another Maserati; the MC12 Corse. Introduced back at the Geneva Motor Show in 2004, this Ferrari Enzo-based GT1 racer remained competitive until its very last outing at the end of the 2010 FIA GT1 World Championship. Powered by a 6-litre V12 engine, it was also not without controversy as it was wider than the rules permitted, which prevented it from running at Le Mans or other ACO-sanctioned events. It did compete with great success in the FIA GT Championship, winning the title and the blue ribband Spa 24 Hours on several occasions. Over the years we have captured seven examples, which star in our 117-shot gallery.

At the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show, the Nissan stand will boast the very funky Bladeglider Concept. The electric vehicle is clearly inspired by the ZEOD RC, which will race at Le Mans in 2014. The show car shares its narrow front track and offers a 1+2 seating position in the open cockpit. Nissan says the very efficient Bladeglider is more than a concept and may lead the way for future production models.
Also making its debut in the Japanese capitol is the altogether more conventional Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG. Claimed to be the only high performance 12-cylinder model produced by a German premium manufacturer, it features a twin-turbo V12 good for 620 bhp. In addition to these impressive performance figures, the S 65 AMG is also efficient and environmentally friendly enough to meet the EU6 requirements, which do not come into effect until 2015. The third generation S 65 AMG should hit the showroom floors early in 2014.
Held in the same week as the Tokyo Motor Show, the Los Angeles Auto Show also promises its share of releases. Perhaps one of the most highly anticipated is the Porsche Macan of which the first teaser shot has just been released. With this compact SUV, Porsche hopes to further increase its production volume.

Jaguar have released the first glimpse of the F-Type Coupe, which is due to officially break cover at the LA Auto Show in a fortnight. Although no specifications have been published, it is safe to say the Coupe will have the same choice of engines as the very well received convertible.
Meanwhile, we also received more details from upcoming Tokyo Motor Show stars. Among the cars on display will be the Aqua G Sports developed by tuning experts Gazoo and the FCV Concept, which offers a preview of a new hydrogen-fueled production car.
A few months ago, we launched a revised version of the website, which allowed us to feature cars in more details. We have continued the development and today, we have further refined the 'Image gallery' section, which now shows images for each chassis separately. Furthermore, we have changed the way the images are stored, which allows us to add images and/or chassis much more easily. To illustrate the changes, we have once again updated the McLaren F1 GTR article with 36 new images and chassis details of three more chassis. Included in the additions are more images of the Le Mans winning chassis 01R and the Art Car created by French sculptor Cesar.

At the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show one of the absolute highlights will no doubt be this Lexus RC 350. Based on the LC-CC Concept shown in Paris last year, the RC is an all-new, two-door coupe. At the launch, the striking Lexus will be available with a conventional petrol V6 and a hybrid drivetrain.
Another Lexus debut will be the LF-NX Turbo Concept, which is a further development of the LF-NX Crossover Concept that was first seen in Frankfurt. The most significant change is the addition of a new two-litre, turbocharged engine, which will no doubt be added to the Lexus line-up within the next few years.
While producing the first 250 GT SWB competition cars, Ferrari made a chassis available to Pininfarina to form the basis for a show car. The result was this unique 250 GT SWB Pininfarina Cabriolet Speciale, which broke cover at the 1960 Geneva Motor Show. The beautiful Cabriolet shares its design with the Superamerica Cabriolet also designed and built by Pininfarina. We captured this one-off some years ago at a very rare outing as can be seen in this 20-shot gallery.

At the Tokyo Motor Show later this month, Porsche will reveal the new Panamera Turbo S. The range-topping model is powered by a revised twin-turbo V8, which thanks to a higher boost level now produces a hefty 570 bhp. To make sure it stops as well as it goes, the Turbo S is also equipped with carbon ceramic disc brakes as standard. It is available both with the standard wheelbase chassis and as the slightly longer Executive.
Traditionally, the domestic manufacturers take centre stage in Tokyo and this year promises to be no exception as Suzuki will showcase the Crosshiker and X-Lander concepts, while Subaru will debut the Levorg.
Last week, we already took a closer look at the Lola T292 and today it is time to highlight its immediate predecessor; the T290. Launched in 1972, it was raced with considerable success with a variety of engines. Among the cars featured today is a very rare Cosworth/Chevrolet Vega powered chassis. Only briefly raced, this twin-cam 'four' was the engine of choice for the works team but ultimately, it lacked reliability. The other two cars featured are Cosworth FVC powered and one is raced by Bobby Rahal, who used this very car to win his first championship back in 1974.