It took a Frenchman to lead the revolution in British cuisine and an Indian company to show us how to build our own iconic sports cars, and they have both exceeded all expectations.
Since The Vintage Magazine first appeared in 2012, we have gained a reputation for combining hotels with car reviews, and we have had some pretty impressive ‘combinations’, but our latest must rate as one of the best yet.
It was a July morning, and the first thing that I saw,
was an Audi R8 ‘Spyder’ convertible
delivered right outside my door –
(with apologies to Joni Mitchell and ‘Chelsea Morning’)
We had been looking forward to this moment, having road tested several cars in the Audi range, and been suitably impressed by them, but this was the José Mourinho of the automotive world; this was ‘The Special One’!
When the ‘F’ type Jaguar first appeared, the hardened Car Journalists were only too ready to write it off, but, as we found, it is a car which definitely grows on you, and after a few days it is easy to start getting very fond of it, despite certain shortcomings like a boot that is hardly big enough to put a pair of boots in, and a cramped cockpit where you need to practice Yoga to get the seatbelt on. So, providing you don’t want to take any luggage with you, this is a very pretty sports car!
Coinciding with the 250thcentenary celebrations of the Royal Yacht Squadron in 2015 a new Britannia sailing yacht carrying the iconic K1 sail number is hoped to be launched in the Solent. Should this come to fruition it will bring to a happy conclusion a saga that has lasted 24 years.
One of the ‘perks’ of publishing a lifestyle magazine like The Vintage Magazine is that you occasionally get to drive some of the most wonderful cars, eat the finest food and drink the finest wines in the best restaurants, and stay in the best hotels, so I thought I would write a ‘Review’ of the past year to record and remember some of these experiences.
The Audi A6 3.0 BiTDI Allroad bridges the gap between an SUV and an estate, and at a shade under £50,000, this top-spec, third generation Audi A6 Allroad doesn’t come cheap. However, Audi is confident its customers can not only afford it, but will add to that price from the long list of options, too.
Do not be distracted by the rather plain looks of this luxury saloon because this is one of the most advanced motor cars in the world with an incredible specification and many impressive technological innovations. This elegantly understated luxury saloon shares its heritage with nothing less than the Bentley GT Continental. Read more…
During the past year or so, I have driven many beautiful and impressive cars and each have their charms, but for sheer driving enjoyment and exhilaration, the new Range Rover SD V8 ‘Vogue’ takes some beating.
This impressive monster does everything it says on the tin. It is powerful and sure-footed, and has a tremendous turn of speed if required, whilst its off-road performance is equally impressive.
Followers and non followers alike of classic yachts have a special place in their hearts for the mighty J Class. The history and romance of their original era from 1929-1937 and their use by wealthy egotistical men on both sides of the Atlantic, in the pursuit of the most iconic and desired sporting trophy in the world, The Americas Cup, is well known and well documented. Shamrock, Endeavour, Enterprise, Ranger, Rainbow are names that immediately conjure up images of yachts with such grace, beauty and power, that for many they remain unsurpassed in yacht design and aesthetic. Many a bedroom, study, boardroom and yacht club wall is adorned with fabulous images from the contests between these Leviathans.
Pronunciation may or may not seem to be important. Probably the best advice would be to speak the language of your own country when you are in it, and at least attempt to do the right thing when you are abroad.
“Porsh” is how the British say the name and we all know what it means, mystical, Teutonic, iconic, elitist, exciting and probably fast. Right on all counts except the name, “Porsha” is the correct Germanic pronunciation as is Miela for those best of domestic appliances.