In the new Octane issue 12, dated September 2014, there are two major articles that are more closely related than the titles would imply. The lead story is about the Ford GT40, the model that was auctioned in 2013 and was the filming car for the 1970 Le Mans movie. As a GT40, it naturally has a place in racing legend heaven.
And then there is the portrait of Eric Broadley, the man behind the Lola sports car brand. It was he who provided the basis for the Ford GT40 with the Lola Mk1. But Broadley created many other racing cars, including the legendary Lola T70 and the Lotus Beater Mk1.
The Plymouth XNR, which Virgil Exner created as a concept car in 1960, embodied a journey into the future. Even in a Starship Enterprise episode, this futuristic car would not have attracted negative attention.
Almost as futuristic, but significantly closer to series production, was the Stratos Zero, which Bertone created as a proposal for a mid-engined sports car. This eventually became the iconic Lancia Stratos rally car, which was less future-oriented but much more practical. A report tells the background story.
The Mercedes Benz 540 K is also truly exclusive. The article in Octane reveals what this car had to do with a Prussian baroness.
A portrait of the Jensen Interceptor is entitled "Promenade mix". However, the article is not as negative as the title, because after all, the Italian-English-American chefs succeeded in creating a great Gran Turismo with the Interceptor. At least that's what the article says.
And then there is a review of the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, which shows more women's legs than cars, an interesting story about the Le Mans Classic and a report on an unusual expedition with early Range Rover models.
Of course, there are the usual sections such as previews, reviews, model cars, books, etc. And so the new Octane is once again worth a trip to the newsagent.
More information about the new issue can be found on the magazine's website.
