Issue number 25 of Octane is available from newsagents. Once again, you can read various vehicle reports, features and news from the classic car scene.
Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ
When restoring a Zagato prototype, it sometimes happens that you have to resort to some techniques from the art world. Now one half of the classic car is as good as new, the other is as dusty as it was when it was found.
"Babs" in Pendine Sands
The 27-liter record car "Babs" was recovered from the sand hole into which it crashed and restored in 1969. In 1927, "Babs" crashed behind the dunes of Pendine, where it remained in a sand trap for 42 years. Today, the car is once again driving along the old familiar beach.
Gucci Lynx Eventer - Jaguar XJ-S Estate
Horn gearshift buttons and a steering wheel badge with matching lapis lazuli gearshift - this is what an interior designed by Paolo Gucci looks like. This Lynx Eventer is anything but ordinary.
A series of 20 units was planned, but the plan fell through due to family disagreements. So it came to a big showdown at the Geneva Motor Show in 1990. The lawyers removed all the Gucci badges from the exhibit on the spot.
Porsche 904/6
Robert Coucher tested the rare Porsche 904/6 at Donington Park. In its heyday, it raced at the Nürburgring, at Solitude and at Mont Ventoux; today it is fresh from restoration. The 904/6 is and remains beautiful and the driving experience is overwhelming. It's easy to see why the Carrera GTS was the launch pad for Porsche's triumphal march in the big endurance races.
Buick Riviera
Buick pulled itself out of the trough with this car. Series production began with almost no changes to the design. The car became a design icon and set new standards for future production.
TVR Grantura Mk II Lightweight
The factory TVR had disappeared for four decades. In the 50s and 60s there were quite a few TVRs in racing use. The kits were affordable and popular for club racing, sprints and on the hill. In 2013, a Bugatti specialist discovered a TVR that was completely original. After 40 years in the garage, it was restored and was still in surprisingly good condition.
Willys Jeep
The wartime Jeep from 1943 is no longer completely original, but is still actively on the road for a Swiss fighter. The first Willys Jeeps were built 75 years ago. The order was to construct a prototype within 49 days and deliver 70 units to the army a further 26 days later.
