The Porsche Museum was easily my favourite of the three (Mercedes, Porsche and Audi), which was also contributed to by the very knowledgeable tour guide, who actually drove one of the cars at the 2010 Goodwood Festival of Speed. I found the comments by Ferdinand Porsche dotted around the museum very interesting, my favourite of which ‘In the beginning I looked around but couldn’t find the car I dreamt of, so I decided to build it myself’. The line up of 911 Turbo’s from 930 – 997 on revolving platforms at exactly the same turning speed was the longest point of admiration from me. I liked the nickname for the 930 Turbo as the ‘Widow Maker’, which was mentioned on a recent excursion by a PCGB member with reference to the outrageous turbo lag and tail out cornering. The museum was nowhere near the size of the Mercedes Museum but I preferred the more peaceful atmosphere, design of the building, more knowledgeable tour guide and better contents – I’m biased on this however.
I’m sure you’ve all heard by now that Top Gear’s ‘The Stig’ is none other than former 007 stunt driver and racing driver – Ben Collins. Nope, no idea who he is either, however I’m sure the Stig varies in shape and size over various episodes of Top Gear. I’m not talking about Michael Schumacher in the Ferrari or African and American Stig, but they look different quite often don’t you think?
I was informed a while back that some of the test drivers from a German marque brand experience centre in Surrey, took it in turns as the Stig. The first Stig that revealed himself (Perry McCarthy) was quickly banished from Top Gear in 2003 and this seems a very likely exit point for Mr Collins. Has he shot himself in the foot with this one, or is he on to bigger and better – we shall see.
I’m sure Schumacher could have the job in 2011 as his F1 come back seems to have dropped his popularity further, especially the incident with the very likeable Rubens Barrichello nearly ending up in the wall at 200 mph in Brazil.
The 2010 rally commenced in London, Pall Mall on 1st May before taking in Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Boston, Quebec City and Toronto before rounding off in New York seven long days and nights later.
Entry fee of £30,000 or either the European or US leg of the rally for £12,000. Bargain
This years Gumball entry grid includes Xzibit, DJ Muggs, Bun-B, DJ Fingaz and now the hugely successful rapper Eve has also entered representing Team Puma. Rumours are that the Hoff has entered halfway too!
The mammoth task of loading 120 of the world’s rarest, beautiful and most expensive cars onto 2 cargo planes was successfully completed through the hardworking of Unifreight and all Gumball and airport crew.
As the gumballers boarded the plane in Arlanda, they began to reflect on the European leg and the whirlwind journey from London to Stockholm. Most Gumballers caught up on some much needed sleep aboard Gumball airlines, the chartered Boeing 757 while some chose to create their own music video as Xzibit donned some sheikh attire.
A recent service and MOT by BMW and the mechanics commented what a fine example this car is. Having covered 70,000 miles and being 8 years old, there are no dents, scuffs or any sign of neglect so I’ve decided to give my pride and joy some loving on my day off.
Having been firmly in the BMW M3 corner for a number of years, I fancy a change. What I’m after is not just performance, looks and excellent build quality, but good resale value, long service intervals, minimal known manufacturer faults and something unique about the car. Of course, I am sticking German!
So, the current line up includes: –
BMW M3 (E46 CSL)
3.2 litre straight six with around 360 bhp, fantastic handling, acceleration but not very comfortable and only available with an SMG box.
BMW M6
5 litre V10 with 507 bhp, comfortable, good looking, high quality interior but looks boring standard and have heard of issues with the vanos and again SMG box.
BMW Z4M Coupe
3.2 litre straight six with 340 bhp (same engine as E46 M3), 2 seater, real sports car feel, fantastic handling, available with a manual. No complaints really, a bit more noise would be nice as can be said from the E46 M3,
Mercedes SL55 AMG
5.4 litre V8 with 500 bhp, amazing acceleration noise (sounds like thunder!), good looks, very comfortable but Mercedes build quality which includes issues with wheel sensors, interior trim rattle, pumps and very minor parts. I could live with this for the noise alone.
Porsche 911 (930 turbo)
3.3 litre flat 6 with 330 bhp, reasonably high servicing/running costs, however they do look fantastic.
Porsche 911 (964 turbo)
3.3 or 3.6 litre engines ranging in power from 330 bhp – 380 bhp, phenominal road presence (Bad Boys film), little known faults with the car but you sit very close to the windsreen and in right hand drive, sit a little sideways.
Porsche 911 (993 C2s, C4s or turbo)
3.6 S engines with 285 bhp and the turbo with 380 bhp, last of the air cooled 911’s and prices seem very stable to on the increase. Not much interior differences to the 964 but everything feels very well made and nearly over engineered – certainly not a complaint.
Porsche 911 (996 GT3 or Turbo)
3.6 litre 380 bhp (GT3), 420 bhp (turbo), 3.6 litre engines of similar design to the 993 engines and therefore no engine issues. Not a fan of 996 interior quality or the over sized head lights but at current prices these cars offer alot for the money. The reason for not including the Carrera’s is that I hear they are prone to engine troubles.
Porsche 911 (997 C2s)
3.8 litre 380 bhp, best looking 911 in my view with very good interior quailty and finish – feels like the old air cooled days of over engineering.
There is certainly, good reasons to stick with the E46 M3 or move to the E90 as I’ve never had any problems but I do fancy a change.
E46 M3 Coupe with AC Schnitzer modifications
