b500-2

ISSUE 2

SHMEE 150

After 23 years in business, Piper Trimmers would love to welcome you to our brand new purpose built premises!

Our range of services includes all aspects of leather and fabric upholstery, including seats, carpets, headlinings, hoods, tonneau covers, for panels and steering wheels.

Please feel free to get in touch with your requirements, we cater for all interior styles, from classic to custom designed interiors. _____________________ Unit 1, Vantage Park, High Street, Sparkford, Somerset BA22 7FQ 01963 441431 info@pipertrimmers.co.uk Instagram: @pipertrimmers & @piperupholstery / Facebook: @pipertrimmers

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CONTENTS

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THE DESIGN / Amalgam Collection

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THE DEALER / The Classic Motor Hub

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THE ART / Piper Trimmers

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THE WATCH / Giuliano Mazzuoli

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THE FRONT COVER / Tim Burton

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THE OWNER / Phil Toledano

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THE AUCTION / Collecting Cars

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THE PHOTOGRAPHER / Michael P Sannwald

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FOR SALE / O’Kane Lavers Disco Volante

A B500 Ltd Publication.

The rights of B500 Ltd to be identified as author(s), publisher(s) of this work has been asserted by them in accordance with the copyright, designs & patents act 1988.

All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any other information storage and retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publisher.

The articles as published do not necessarily represent the views of the author or publisher.

Information provided is deemed to be accurate at the time of going to press.

The Publisher takes no responsibility for any inaccuracies which may appear within the publication either in original or updated format.

Updated and renewed edition. First published in May 2020.

Copyright: B500 Ltd 2025.

Website: www.b500.co

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LIS T FOR FREE. SELL FO

WWW.COLLECT

OR FREE. HASSLE FREE.

TIN GC ARS.COM

More than the sum of its parts

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01 • THE DESIGN The Amalgam Collection bespoke McLaren Senna

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n each issue of b500 we will be introducing a different 1/8 scale model from the Amalgam Collection. (See the incredible weathered limited edition Ferrari TR in issue 1.) With this issue’s front cover showing Tim Burton aka ‘Shmee150’, we thought it would be fitting to show the recent visit Tim made to Amalgam Collection in Bristol, England to personally collect his commissioned 1:8 scale bespoke Senna!

The accompanying photographs show the quite incredible detail of this 1:8 scale bespoke one-off Senna, as well as

the clear expression of delight on Tim’s face having just seen it for the first time as a completed model.

Here’s what Amalgam Collection had to say, as they take up the story…

“We were delighted to have Tim Burton, aka Shmee150, visit the Bristol workshop again as he returned to collect his bespoke model order. Tim has been a big admirer of Amalgam models, dreaming of owning a scale replica for a long time, and he chose to start his collection with a bespoke version of the most powerful car he owns, the McLaren

Senna. Perfectly matched to the real car in every way our model makers worked directly with McLaren Automotive to replicate every detail perfectly: from the McLaren Special Operations Cerulean Blue exterior paint with satin navy blue carbon, to the details like the 12 o’clock stripe, door gas struts and centre locks in the body of the car. Tim’s scale replica is in its hunkered-down race mode, with its’ lowered suspension, and also wears the famous SH12 MEE number plate, complete with a quote from Tim’s hero Ayrton Senna”: “I have no idols I admire work, dedication and competence.”

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Sadly, Tim didn’t bring his McLaren Senna to Bristol, instead travelling in his Mercedes-AMG G63, though at least this had space to transport his model to its new home. After arriving in his storage location Tim exhibited the premium packaging that protects each Amalgam model to his online viewers, before the model finally met its lifesize brother.

A number of other Amalgam models, the Lotus Type 38, Porsche 917K, Bentley Blower, Ferrari F2004 and two McLaren F1 LMs, also made cameo appearances in Tim’s video as all of them caught his attention at some point during filming.

Tim previously visited the workshop in December, to see his model whilst it was still in pieces at the beginning of the assembly process. He discovered what exactly goes into creating an Amalgam model, from the original primer parts kit consisting of over 1,000 pieces, through to painted parts that were assembled to become his completed model. The 1:8 scale ‘Shmeemobile’ will become the centre-piece for Tim’s future garage and we look forward to it making a cameo appearance in many of his future videos.

Apart from the increasing collection of models that Amalgam currently offer, which include 1:12 scale F1 nosecones

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starting at just £140, you can go to the other scale end and have your own supercar reproduced just as Tim has, with a unique bespoke service for 1:8 scale models.

The team at Amalgam Collection will create for you a superbly and deeply detailed model replicating every aspect of your car’s specification. They will finish the model with the precise colour of the paint on your car and the interior finishes. Even the smallest details including for example, the colour of the stitching on the seats, the license plates, the wheels, every visible aspect of your car will be perfectly reproduced on your model.

Amalgam’s close relationship with the manufacturers allows them to access paint and other key options and specification data so that they can then match everything to the exact specification of your car. They will in short create a model for you that is a perfect representation of the precious original in every detail. Placed in your home or office it will be a wonderful, attractive display and an ever present reminder of a much loved possession.

If you are interested in purchasing a bespoke model, please contact Amalgam Collection and be sure to mention b500 magazine… www.amalgamcollection.com

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Instagram ‘shot of the month’

‘Something for the weekend’.

Credit: @notts.rs / @danbarnettmedia

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02 • THE DEALER The Classic Motor Hub

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ontinuing on from our feature in last month’s launch issue about the Jensen FF, it was only a matter of time before we shone a light on a relative newcomer on the scene, but one that has positively disrupted the industry and is now seen as one of the leading specialists in the classic car world and recognised by a number of industry awards and accolades.

The Classic Motor Hub is, as the slogan on their website suggests, “More Than Just a Showroom”. Sited on the former

RAF Bibury Airfield, The Hub (as it is more affectionately referred to by proprietor, Martin Chisholm) is not an ordinary car showroom by any stretch of the imagination.

Surrounded by rolling hills and close to the spa town of Cheltenham and the Roman town of Cirencester, the 5-acre site has quickly become known as home to specialists in the field of classic, vintage and high-performance car sales, storage and a myriad of other complementary services. It was their Coffee & Classics events, however, that really put The Hub on the map.

Started in late 2016 by an invitation to a local Military Vehicle Club to visit the site and receive a talk on the site’s former life as a temporary home to 87 and 92 Hurricane and Spitfire Squadrons during the Battle of Britain, their events have swiftly become a staple on the motoring calendar for collectors and enthusiasts alike, tempting all manner of incredible machinery to join the team there on a Sunday morning. Breakfast brioche rolls, barista coffee and live music provide a fabulous backdrop to what feels like a really special occasion for even the most seasoned owners of classic cars and motorcycles.

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In 2018 the Coffee & Classics formula was diversified with themes and traders helping to bolster the offering for Sunday morning visitors. In 2019, The Hub experimented with country-themed events, with Italian, British and German days catering for a huge variety of visitors and their wonderful machines from across the country.

Beyond public events, The Hub holds many private events and functions from wine tasting to club AGMs, product launches and almost anything in between. As well as the spacious WWII Blister Hangar Showroom, there are a number of other spaces on site including a ‘Squadron Club Room’ which is filled with appropriate ephemera providing an ideal backdrop for meetings or dining.

Whilst under normal circumstances they actively welcome all motoring enthusiasts to visit and browse The Hub on weekdays and on Saturdays, there are other facets of The Hub you won’t necessarily see on a visit of your own.

Tucked away at the rear is an incredible world-class private collection (that is only opened at their events) and a fully-equipped workshop. There’s even a helipad at the rear that allows clients to arrive by air! Off-site there is a car storage facility filled with over 200 cars safely hidden away.

Although business is not quite as usual for all in the industry at the moment, please do make a note to visit The Classic Motor Hub once normality resumes. It really is a motoring Mecca in the heart of the Cotswolds that must not be missed. www.classicmotorhub.com and @theclassicmotorhub

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03 • THE ART Piper Trimmers

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iper Trimmers are highly skilled specialists in bespoke automotive interiors. Their family run car trimming business has been established for over 23 years with over 100 years and counting of combined experience.

Brothers, Larry and Royston started their business after learning the traditional

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skill of car trimming from their father Alan, who was also a car trimmer and training from a local furniture upholsterer. Larry also undertook a furniture apprenticeship.

Within the first year of business they went on to employ their father who brought with him a vast knowledge and skill of car trimming. Their father has since retired and Larry and Royston

have taken on what their father taught them, and over the years the business has evolved and expanded. The standards and skills learnt in these early years continue to form the basis of Piper Trimmers today.

Four members of the family are currently employed at the company and a third generation is looking to be growing into the business. The company employs

ten staff, five of which work on the car interiors and three on furniture upholstery.

So if you want a chair that matches your man cave they’ve got it covered!

Larry and Royston Piper continue to work alongside one another with a dedicated team, and are well known for an unrivalled level of workmanship and exceptional attention to detail.

To date the oldest car they have worked on is a 1903 Renault and have worked on many vehicles over the years including boats, helicopters and aeroplanes, but their main passion are the cars. Larry’s favourite car is an Aston Martin DB5, whereas Royston’s is a Porsche 356 Coupe, and even though they have never managed to own their favourite cars they have worked on both.

The team provide a wide range of upholstery and trimming services on virtually any make and model of car whether it’s a vintage, classic, modern, sports or supercar. This can range from a simple stitch repair right through to a full interior retrim and customisation project in a variety of materials including leather, vinyl, alcantara and fabric. They are experienced in all marques including Aston Martin, Jaguar, Porsche, Rolls Royce, Bentley, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Ford, MG, Rover, VW, just to name a few.

Vehicle Interior Services include bespoke leather retrims, seats, interior door panels, headlinings, steering wheels, bespoke hoods, carpets, overmats, side screens, tonneau covers, embossing & embroidery, CNC sewing and repairs.

Their newly purpose built modern workshop with over 3,000 sq.ft. of safe and secure interior space is situated in Sparkford in Somerset and is easily accessible from the A303.

If you wish to contact Piper Trimmers please quote b500 in your correspondence. www.pipertrimmers.co.uk

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04 • THE WATCH Giuliano Mazzuoli / Manometro

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met Giuliano Mazzuoli by chance when I was staying at a very beautiful Italian hotel in the hills above Florence.

I quickly noticed a display case of Mazzuoli watches in the reception area and, having already known about this brand, took a closer look. The hotel manager, whom I knew well at the time, allowed me to take a couple out of the locked display case to have a closer look and I was instantly hooked by this somewhat quirky automotive driven brand.

On the next day after a wonderful Tuscan lunch, the manager, whose day off it was suggested we go for a drive around to get some shots of the hotel from the surrounding hillsides. After about twenty minutes I suggested we were maybe heading elsewhere and he turned to me and smiled and suggested I would be very pleased at the destination…

After a further fifteen or so minutes we pulled into a tree lined driveway and I had no idea where we were or who we were there to see, until I was taken into a beautiful office reception area, with glass cases full of Giuliano Mazzuoli watches.

A door opened and standing there to greet us was the man himself, Giuliano Mazzuoli. We spent an hour discussing his brand and my personal favourite which is the watch I’ve highlighted here - The Manometro.

I had been taken to the private atelier to meet Giuliano in person. The stuff watch dreams are made of and an incredibly kind gesture organised by the manager of the hotel, who knew Giuliano personally and hence the display case of watches in the hotel reception.

Giuliano is a designer by trade and under his personal guidance the company produces high-quality watches under the ‘Giuliano Mazzuoli’ brand name.

Located in the hills of Tuscany that surround Florence, the company designs products that are characterised by an untiring pursuit of the high standards of

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quality craftsmanship, design innovation and creativity typically associated with products made in Italy.

Giuliano Mazzuoli finds inspiration for his creations in the everyday objects he works with, creating timeless pieces that capture the imagination of the world.

He is an avid Alfa Romeo fan and has a dedicated watch based on the 8c, of which at one point he owned two and I would urge you to look up his ‘Giuliano Mazzuoli Contagiri 8C Competizione’ as it is another stunning watch to covet for all watch and car aficionados.

‘Manometro’ - for years Giuliano had a dream of creating a watch with an innovative design, different than any other watch available on the market. The inspiration for his watch came one day when he looked at a pressure gauge. It was in this object that he found his Manometro watch or “pressure gauge” in Italian.

The watch is designed in Italy by Giuliano and produced in Switzerland with a high precision Swiss movement. It is constructed using only the finest materials by master watchmakers. Combining the best Swiss technology with Italian design, the watch is unique in its simplicity and essential style.

Beyond its creative design elements, the watch’s technical characteristics include a precision Swiss automatic movement and the case is made of stainless steel in either brushed or polished finishes, from which I personally found it hard to choose as both look stunning. There is also a version of the watch in a beautifully natural brushed bronze case that changes colour over time like all bronze, while maintaining its beauty and character.

The dial can be black, ivory, blue, green or white, (polished with white dial my choice), and is completed with a sapphire glass case. The watch’s calf-skin leather strap is, as one might expect, made in Tuscany and has a stainless steel buckle with the Mazzuoli logo inscribed on it.

It comes handsomely packaged in a hand-made, high-quality Florentine leather box with a sewn rope embroidering.

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L I S T FO R F R E E . S E L L FO

W W W. CO L L E C T

OR FREE. HASSLE FREE.

T I N G C A R S . CO M

Tim’s Ford GT & McLaren Senna Photo: Sam Moores.

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05 • THE FRONT COVER Tim Burton - Ten years of Shmee150

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ecoming one of the World’s most successful online car influencers doesn’t happen overnight.

Clearly it has taken ten years of hard work, much of which is unseen by Tim Burton’s millions of followers and with over 700 million video views and counting, he might be forgiven for maybe taking his foot off the gas pedal now and again, but that’s not about to happen anytime soon.

Just ten years ago, starting as a young 20 something enthusiast posting photos of supercars he spotted in London Tim, aka Shmee150 to his army of global fans, has since become something of a YouTube phenomenon and, who

through his entrepreneurial success has now been able to put together a very impressive collection of cars himself. Still only in his early 30’s, the success of Tim’s brand Shmee150, his business mindset and his entrepreneurial initiatives have allowed him to achieve the lifestyle of living his own supercar dream.

Amongst Tim’s most recent acquisitions is a McLaren Senna which he recently commissioned Amalgam Collection (as seen on pages 6-9), to build a bespoke 1:8 scale exact replica.

The Shmee150 brand was started in January 2010 by Tim, a chance stumbling upon two brand new cars

that at the time you would not expect to see on the road: a Ferrari 458 Italia and Lamborghini LP670-4 Superveloce. Little did Tim know that the short film of those two cars would eventually develop into the venture it has since become. His YouTube channel has since grown and grown, now covering exclusive events around the world and filming some of the most incredible luxury cars in existence.

Many of his fans and friends would characterise Shmee as being hardworking, enthusiastic, honest, polite and committed. Tim uses his experiences, passion and articulate way of speaking in his videos to showcase the world of supercars to his global audience

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including car enthusiasts to serial hypercar purchasers and even MiddleEastern Sheikhs!

So where did it all begin?

Leaving school at 18 after completing A-levels, Tim immediately set about growing an online electronics retail business that later developed into a London high-street shop. After a spell of ski instruction in New Zealand he returned to the UK and joined a Square Mile investment consultancy within their tech team. Tim launched himself into several small businesses and ventures,

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leaving each one either better off or acquired by other interested parties.

During all this time building and nurturing his business interests, the Shmee150 brand kept begging for more of his time until one day he knew he could effectively drop everything else to fully concentrate on the brand which was developing now at pace. Since that time, Tim has pursued many different ventures which in turn, has allowed him to fund the Shmee150 project and gradually expand it up to the point it is now. As I commentated at the beginning, building Shmee150 as a brand has not happened overnight…

Currently Tim need not rely just on himself to organise a trip to shoot a car in Japan or wherever, but a whole dedicated team of people around him working behind the scenes, with the whole enterprise overseen by his longterm business manager. It’s up to this team to allow Tim the opportunities to expand his travels across the world and make content for his audience.

At the end of the day, the entrepreneurial steps Tim has taken personally to get where he is wouldn’t necessarily work for someone else. He started doing his own thing from the age of 18

and the small businesses he has created can’t just be replicated. The trick is doing what you enjoy and working hard at it, being happy is the most important aspect.

There is of course a huge misconception that all Tim has to do is shoot a quick video, upload it and hey presto 7 million people will watch it and he can go back to bed…this in fact, could not be further from the truth. To operate with continued success at this level requires a 24/7 focus and as Tim himself has referred, running a successful YouTube channel is effectively like running a high

street business. It requires staff to run it and needs constant attention and of course ‘stock’.

The ‘stock’ in Tim’s case is of course content rather than physical items (although he does sell branded items nowadays as well), but it’s the content that is required on a daily basis to feed the appetite of hungry car fans across all time zones around the world. Tim is however happy to concede he feels lucky he started when he did, as nowadays, and a lot to do with Tim’s own presence, everybody is doing it. It does therefore help if you are Shmee150 and you

have ten years of success already in your back pocket.

Nowadays Tim can be found anywhere from London to Los Angeles, Abu-Dhabi to Tokyo shooting his brandstyle of video, or ‘vlog’ (video blog) with the finest car shows, auctions, private owners and clubs. I’m sure there are many who see this as Tim on another jolly, but having worked globally for years as a photographer myself, what’s never seen is all the planning, emails, scheduling and, for Tim and his team, all the scripting of the planned video he’s off to shoot.

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Once back in the UK after an overseas shoot, and assuming nothing went wrong with the camera gear, flights, or overall logistics there’s the editing and proofing, then the eventual upload followed by the necessary immediate engagement with the thousands of responses as they ping, ping, ping all day and night. Don’t be fooled, there can be no doubt Tim is running a very full time business.

Most of Tim’s videos tend to feature supercars from around the world, but now increasingly include his own growing stable of supercars and of late hypercars, which include his McLaren Senna, Ford

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GT, Ferrari GTC4 Lusso, Aston Martin Vantage GT8 and Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro plus several others. These videos are slick and Tim makes it look easy, and that’s a part of the charm. He’s a happygo-lucky guy smiling at you from behind his own camera, making a cheap home movie. Right? Well no. Everything you see has first been scripted and then shot

by Tim. With his ten years of experience he’s had time to perfect his particular skill which transfers to keeping the viewers on the edge of their seats until he ends on a cliffhanger which brings them back each and every time for more. If that sounds calculating, it is, and it is exactly

that which makes Tim, aka Shmee150, a clever, highly engrossing and fascinating brand, rather than just another car video.

Tim is a shrewd businessperson and fully aware of his market and that, particularly in the current times we are all living, he needs to be ahead of the game. To this end his ongoing and always updated business plan is all about how he can evolve and change as required. This way of thinking is essential for any business and it is ultimately this level of understanding and his unfailing enthusiasm and commitment that really sets Tim apart from others within his line of vision…

The world according to Shmee150…

Supercar lifestyle – Tim shares the life of living the supercar dream. Sharing with his global followers his experiences with the finest cars, sports cars and supercars both in his own garage and anywhere else in the world. Tim brings you up close to the finest machines in the automotive world.

Events – Public events across the world; supercar meets, club events and track days. Tim keeps highly involved in the car scene and goes to many events, from the Goodwood Festival of Speed to the local Ferrari and Lamborghini blasts.

Vlogs and Shoots – Video blogs as Tim goes on his travels or attends events along with videos of his own cars and those of his friends; whether it’s a quick shot, a review or an exclusive behind the scenes look from one of his private meets.

Showcases – In-depth videos or reviews of particular cars of interest, including rides, fly-bys and other clips as part of planned video shoots. This can be privately owned cars or press cars driven at press events across the world.

Motorshows – New and concept models at the world’s major motor shows including Geneva, Paris, Frankfurt, Top Marques Monaco and Dubai!

Rallies – International driving tours like Gumball 3000, Supercar Club Arabia & Rallye Germania with spectacular cars and wonderful destinations.

Credits: b500 Front Cover: Michael P. Sannwald Page 25 / Photo: Sam Moores All other photos: Michael P. Sannwald

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THE CLASSIC 1938 FRAZER NASH BMW 328

Matching numbers Frazer Nash 328 chassis #85107.

1 of 46 examples cherished in longterm ownership for the past 28 years. An outstandingcar accompanied by a wonderful history file. Competed in the 1938 Paris Nice Trial where is came a creditable 8th overall

FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THESE AND OTHER CARS FOR SALE AT CLASSICMOTORHUB.COM

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MOTOR HUB 1938 FRAZER NASH-BMW 327/80

The 5th Frazer Nash example produced. Bought new and used by AFN Ltd as their demonstrator and used

by The Motor and The Autocar Magazines as the test car. Matching numbers and presented in outstanding condition following a £200,000 plus restoration

@THECLASSICMOTORHUB

/THECLASSICMOTORHUB

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06 • THE OWNER Phil Toledano / Lancia BastardA

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o Phil. So much to say, so little space. I feel like I should be producing an issue of b500 just for you!

Where to begin? Writer, photographer, publisher, conceptual artist, raconteur (definitely), Instagram star (dubious), helping to make jumpsuits great again (even more dubious), cars white again

and collector of all things horological and, lest we forget, collector of some of the most coveted cars known to man, such as Iso Grifo, BMW M1, Ferrari 246 Dino, Alpine A110, Lancia 037 Group B, Lancia Stratos, Lancia S4 Stradale and of course the Lancia Delta Integrale BastardA. Phew.

Good to know for us mere supercar ‘wannabe’ mortals that his collection

began with his first car being a 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit GTS. I met Phil on Instagram (see @ misterenthusiast) as a direct result of my meeting with Magnus Walker a few short weeks ago in LA, after which Magnus and I did an IG LIVE, and I then tuned in to a couple of the ‘Geezer’ LIVE IG’s between Magnus and Phil, who are long time buddies.

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I suggested to Phil we try a LIVE IG and off we went. We have quite a bit in common with writing, book publishing, photography, art and cars and I have a penchant for NY, which is where Phil lives, and I used to work.

And so with so much to write about, and so little space, I have had to go with one specific area of Phil’s life (cars) and within that world, one particular car.

The BastardA. We’ve all seen it, and TBH if you haven’t, where exactly have you been?

It’s Phil’s grey Lancia Delta Integrale affectionately known as BastardA. The first thing that strikes me as a bit different to other Integrale collectors is that Phil uses his as his daily drive even taking his daughter to school in it. One can only imagine as he pulls away from the school gates, gives a pump on the horn and several Mums and Dads dropping off their own kids turn to see the arse end of this little Caucasian Italian (the car not Phil) and the word ‘BastardA’, as it snaps and barks off down the street.

I’d pay money to see that.

For those of you who have been on Mars for the last 31 years, the Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evo is a homologation special built by Lancia to participate in rallying. With its 4WD and a scrap-happy 2.0L turbocharged engine, the car soon became an icon in the rallying scene.

Phil’s Lancia was bought unseen from Japan. Originally white Phil has changed much of the car, including the colour from white to this subtle ‘off-white’, or grey if you prefer accuracy. As well as the colour change, which improves top end speed by at least 8 MPH, Phil also changed the wheels and rebuilt the basically F***** engine and turbo, but currently has opted to keep the original interior.

Phil is regularly asked by his followers about the wheels on his Integrale, and I can concur they are white and provided by @fifteen52 out of California I believe.

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Whenever Phil posts a shot of the Integrale on IG it gets 2,000 plus likes, along with comments such as; “So boxy”, “Amazing”, “Sweet mother of God this is pornography”, and my favourite, “Do you own any White Speedos?” (In fairness that might’ve been my wife…)

This scrappy little BastardA now even has its’ own little cult film, more of which in a moment, but almost more importantly it now also has its own range of BastardA identity memorabilia, with the first item already “sold out and awaiting new stock” - the rather lovely BastardA key ring.

Conceptualised by Phil and designed by Alex Aranovich for Phil’s new brand, the centre of the key ring, (which very coolly also happens to fit the steering wheel boss as the horn button), is based on the “Elefantino Rosso,” mascot of Lancia’s storied racing division of the 1950’s.

I recently suggested to Phil he should marry-up his horn button to “la cucaracha”, which would sound amazing as he drove away after dropping his daughter off at school, and is something I will fly to NY to film, should he take me up on what is (I feel) a brilliant idea… …and so what of the little cult film I alluded to earlier? Well back in January of this year, before the world went into lockdown etc, Magnus Walker along with girlfriend Hannah Elliott, starred in a film driving around the mean streets of New York in Phil’s BastardA. ‘Big Apple Outlaw’ features some of the most iconic landmarks of NYC such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square and Wall Street and is a great showcase for Phil’s BastardA and the first film starring Magnus driving something other than a Porsche. The film is definitely worth a watch if you haven’t seen it yet and can easily be found on YouTube.

Photos courtesy of Phil Toledano.

Instagram @misterenthusiast

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07 • THE AUCTION Collecting Cars

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nline auction platform Collecting Cars is only a year old and has to date sold over £6m in total of cars and auto memoribilia, with last month alone bringing in £2.4m of sales.

Currently its the only specialist online auction platform of its kind to source consignments from across Europe and to market cars throughout the continent.

security, to ensure a safe and seamless experience. This therefore delivers a safe and simple online auction experience where sellers can have confidence in the bidding and buyers can have confidence in the cars.

The team behind Collecting Cars realises the value of every car, no matter how valuable it is and encourages anyone thinking about selling their car to contact them to discuss their offer.

foremost passionate car enthusiasts and their passion and experience encompass cars of all genres and eras.

The process the site uses of buying and selling cars is backed by industryleading identity verification and payment

Collecting Cars is powered by technology but they have also assembled a team of people who are first and

Collecting Cars says: “The entirety of the winning bid will be paid to the seller of the lot. When

There are several frequently asked and useful questions you will find on the Collecting Cars website if you are considering using this service to sell your car, such as; How much does it cost to buy an item on Collecting Cars?

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you are the highest bidder in a Collecting Cars online auction, and the lot has met or exceeded the reserve, we charge a 6% premium including VAT (minimum of £600, with a cap at £6,000). There are no additional administrative fees on top of this from Collecting Cars.”

Collecting Cars says: “Our platform prevents sniping by automatically adding more time. Any bid received within the last two minutes will automatically trigger an extra two minutes to be added. After this point, only once there are no further bids within a twominute window will the auction end.”

Collecting Cars says: “When a car sells successfully on the platform, a 6% premium is automatically deducted from the highest bidder’s credit card. This is a fee for using the platform and not a downpayment on the car.

You are then digitally ‘introduced’ to the seller to complete the transaction.

Can other bidders ‘snipe’ at the end of an auction to outbid me?

What happens at the end of the auction if I have won the bidding?

There are NO refunds on the buyer’s premium”.

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As an example of the many cars Collecting Cars have offered, here’s one I myself was watching with some interest due to my love of all Porsche 928’s. Here’s the Collecting Cars description; “This Porsche 928 S4 is a superb example of a late 1980s classic, presented in a rare and stunning colour combination, and with just one previous owner. It is

powered by the 320hp 5.0-litre M28/41 V8 engine, coupled to the five-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows just 51,493 miles from new”.

“This particular UK market car was first registered in September 1987, and for the next 30 years it would remain with the same private owner, who cherished the 928 and kept it in superb condition. The striking colour scheme

was a very considered choice - and he ordered four new Porsche models in the same paint hue (928, 964, 911 Carrera 3.2 and 3.3-litre Turbo). The current owner acquired it three years ago, and has enjoyed some 2,000 miles behind the wheel”.

At its peak, this particular car as offered had 6,532 viewers and the winning bidder secured the car at a price of £30,278.

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08 • THE PHOTOGRAPHER Michael P Sannwald

O

ur photographer for this issue caught my eye with his night shots of Tim Burton’s Ford GT. Michael’s work also appears on the pages of the Tim Burton photo-editorial in this issue. Michael P Sannwald has been into cars for a long time, but tells me his passion for them was solidified when he was around 22 and bought his first performance car, a TVR Chimaera.

Michael had been watching countless videos on YouTube of Chimaeras and had become completely obsessed by the brutal

noise that comes from its V8 engine. The opportunity that he could own a sports car sounding so good and for relatively little money, was too good to pass up.

Very shortly after buying the Chimaera he also bought his first DSLR and the automotive photography was born.

Michael never studied photography, instead learning his skills through practise and along with cars it soon became his other passion.

Michael says: “I would ask the users on Pistonheads if they wanted their cars photographed and a good number of people responded, with some very

impressive cars. The first shoot I ever did was of the Chassis 001 TVR Sagaris RT Prototype, and the second was a Lamborghini Diablo 6.0. I look back at the photos from these shoots and cringe, wishing I could re-shoot them. I think most photographers go through this stage though”.

Fast forward to the present day and one of Michael’s favourite shoots is that of Tim Burton’s Ford GT. It was a couple of days before Christmas, he tells me, and Tim had just received delivery of his car the day before. They met up in London around midnight to start the shoot to try and avoid as much attention as

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possible, which is difficult when you’ve got 2 million YouTube subscribers and are driving around in a brand new Ford GT. Michael chose an old cobbled street for the first part of the shoot, and told me; “The Ford GT basically looks like a futuristic spaceship for the road, especially in race mode, and I wanted to emphasise this by placing it in a contrasting environment… I think it worked out quite well. We then moved onto the next location which was a bridge in front of the London skyline. The challenge with this location is that even at 2am you are hard pressed to find a gap in traffic long enough to shoot…thankfully Tim was kind enough to drive back and forth across the bridge multiple times until we got the shot. We wrapped up the shoot at around 4am and headed home, happy with the results”.

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Over the past few years Michael’s been taking everything he’s learned from automotive photography and is now transferring those skills to video. He now markets himself as an ‘automotive photographer and videographer’. Some of his videos can be seen on his website at www.mpsphotography.co.uk and on Instagram @michaelpsannwald

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09 • FOR SALE O’Kane Lavers / Disco Volante

I

have been fortunate to visit the factory floor of master coach builders, Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera in Italy on three separate occasions.

On two of those visits I was lucky enough to witness and photograph two of their subsequent 8 Disco Volante Coupes.

I have been watching this particular Disco Volante, number 06 of just 08 Coupes, and as featured with some interest, and made a call to James O’Kane to discuss it. He told me that this particular stunning example was ordered new by his client, and painted in a one-off colour choice of ‘Blu Largo’ (an adaptation of Ferrari’s Blu Tour De France).

For the launch issue of b500 myself and Steve actually had airline tickets booked for Milan, for what would have been my fourth visit and Steve’s first. Alas due to the Covid-19 outbreak it was not to be, and so Touring’s latest masterpiece, the ‘Sciadipersia’ will appear on a future b500 front cover - for sure.

Each Disco Volante has a bespoke interior to each owners’ preference, and this specific example is finished in beige and blue leather with red stitching throughout the cabin with the steering wheel finished in dark blue. All the aluminium components are anodised in light blue.

Interestingly - if not unsurprising, this is the only Disco Volante to be fitted with a wood trim interior and can be seen throughout the interior and adds an elegant, yacht-like feel to the cabin.

An Alpine stereo and screen (IVAD511RB) were fitted in place of the original radio (still to hand) and a bespoke sound system by FOCAL was custom developed and installed, costing over €20,000; a rear-view camera is also fitted for ease of reversing.

This Alfa Romeo Disco Volante comes with its very own bespoke luggage set, exact replica scale model and

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presentation book containing a detailed photographic history of the car and how it was created. The car has been regularly serviced at an authorised Maserati dealer, in line with Alfa Romeo guidelines.

This beautiful one-off vehicle has been show-cased at the famed “Quail – A Motorsports Gathering” in Carmel, California in 2017.

The Alfa Romeo Disco Volante by Touring is a two-seater coupé with front-central engine and transaxle drivetrain. Available only to a small amount of collectors, sporting drivers and design aficionados with appreciation for a tailor-made car based on individual passion and taste. It is inspired by the Touring designed Alfa Romeo C52 of 1952: a design icon, so innovative that it influenced a number of celebrated sports cars of the decades ahead.

It was in 2012 at the Geneva Motor Show the displayed full scale model of the Alfa Romeo Disco Volante first appeared publicly. Carrozzeria Touring returned a year later with the first production car which impressed the crowds yet again. Sixty years on from the first ‘Disco Volante’, the Alfa Romeo C52, the latest Disco Volante still carried that stylish and futuristic look, which naturally separates the Disco Volantes from everything else which can be bought.

The excellent Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione supplies the rolling chassis and drivetrain with the electrics and electronics systems. With its light and stiff structure, the compact 4.7 litre, 450 PS V8 engine coupled to a sequential paddle-shift transaxle gearbox, the limited slip differential and double wishbones suspension, the package provides stunning performance together with precise, dynamic and proactive drive.

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The refined proportions are those of a classic Berlinetta by Touring, with extended rear overhang. Elements of drama excel with the wide front section with integrated bonnet and wings, and the pronounced muscular rear end treatment leaving no doubts about the car’s intentions.

From the delivery of the donor Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, it took craftsmen 4,000 hours and over six months to create a new Disco Volante.

Each car is unique as they were only built to order, and each car was commissioned to the exact personal specification of the collector.

Each donor 8C Competizione was first completely disassembled; the rolling chassis and drivetrain with the electrics and electronics systems kept and put into storage for later use. The 4.7 litre 450bhp Ferrari designed V8 with sixspeed sequential paddle-shift gearbox also kept aside.

Work started by preparing the chassis to accept its new body formed of aluminium and carbonfibre panels. The elite craftsmen forming the panels by hand using traditional metal working techniques that were employed by Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera back in 1926.

Once the body is completed, the experienced craftsmen move on to the interior fitting; hand cutting, forming, welding and bonding each element to the body. The body is then smoothed down ready for the paint to be applied as selected by the customer. This specific client chose his own adaptation of Ferrari’s Blu Tour De France, which he named Blu Largo.

The design language and craftsmanship are simply outstanding. The level of attention to detail in this unique coach built modern day tourer is what stands out straight away from the extended rear overhang to the dramatic wide front.

The Disco Volante is first and foremost a driver’s car that wants to be driven.

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Details: - No. 6 from a total of 8 created - Presented in a one-off colour; Blu Largo - Only Disco Volante with bespoke woodwork – a “Road Yacht” - Offered from a private connoisseur’s collection - Mileage: 5,750 KM - Chassis Number: 43068 Price: POA

The final result combines power and elegance in a car bound to set another Touring milestone in the automobile history.

Disco Volante by Touring available for sale through O’Kane Lavers. www.okanelavers.com Our thanks go to O’Kane Lavers for the use of photographs and information.

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1967 Porsche 910

Chassis 027 Works car with a significant track record Continuous, documented and uncontested history Acquired 25 years ago by its current owner From an important Porsche collection Road registered in France

www.ascottcollection.com Xavier Micheron Phone: + 33 (0) 9 67 33 48 43 Mobile: + 33 (0) 6 17 49 42 50 Email: cars@ascottcollection.com Paris - France 1955 COOPER T40 / 1955 LISTER KNOBBLY / 1967 BIZZARINI 53000 GT ALUMINIUM / 1970 CHEVRON B16 / 1978 ATS HS01 / 1982 ATS D5 F1 / / 1987 PORSCHE 962 CK6 / 1988 MARCH BUICK 86G / 1989 TIGA GC 289 C2 / 1990 SPICE SE90C / 1996 VENTURI 600 LMS / 1998 VIPER GTSR / 2000 LOLA B2K/40 / 2009 ORECA FLM-09