Latest news with #Ferrari250GTO
Forbes
24-03-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Pink Floyd's Nick Mason Has A Car Collection To Die For
1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, (owner/entrant Nick Mason) The Festival of Speed at Goodwood 13th July 2013 ... More (Photo by Michael Cole/Corbis via Getty Images) In a secret garage on the dark side of the moon, Nick Mason's car collection might not be the world's biggest. That honor belongs to the Sultan of Brunei—Hassanal Bolkiah—who reportedly boasts a 7,000 car collection that's reportedly worth over $5 billion. The Pink Floyd drummer's collection might not be the most high profile. That title goes to ex-NBC 'The Tonight Show' host Jay Leno with his hangar of cars—some 180 strong. But what Nick Mason does have is one of the world's most star-studded and enviable collections of race cars and sports cars. English drummer Nick Mason of Pink Floyd sits behind his drum kit, circa 1990. (Photo by Lester ...) LONDON - JULY 02: (L to R) David Gilmour, Roger Waters, Nick Mason and Rick Wright from the band ... More Pink Floyd on stage at "Live 8 London" in Hyde Park on July 2, 2005 in London, England. The free concert is one of ten simultaneous international gigs including Philadelphia, Berlin, Rome, Paris, Barrie, Tokyo, Cornwall, Moscow and Johannesburg. The concerts precede the G8 summit (July 6-8) to raising awareness for MAKEpovertyHISTORY. (Photo by) The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer's garage contains marques that would make any carnut drool with jealousy. Known as the only permanent member of legendary British rock band Pink Floyd from its inception in 1965, the softly spoken Mason has been part of name that has sold more than 250 million records—including Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here and The Wall—over the past 60 years. And, well, it's that ongoing success that has allowed him the pursue his passion for cars. 1973: Album cover of Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon released in 1973, that sold over 50 million ... More copies. Photo by MichaelOn a rare TV appearance over a decade ago, he opened up to controversial journalist and TV personality Jeremy Clarkson on BBC's Top Gear show about his pride and joy—a rare 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO—one of only 36 built—that he reportedly paid £37,000 (@$48,000) for in 1978 but is worth over £40 million (@$52 million) today, according to GQ Magazine. He remembers that in 1964, in the stands of the Goodwood Circuit, in southern England with his father, he admired a 250 GTO during a race, not realizing that he would own one a decade later. The car he ended up purchasing finished third in the 1962 Le Mans 24 Hours and has never been restored. Nick Mason in Auto Union Silver Arrow (Photo by Michael Cole/Corbis via Getty Images) Nick Mason, (former drummer & percussionist with Pink Floyd), in his 1935 Aston Martin Ulster - ... More Brooklands Trophy (Photo by Michael Cole/Corbis via Getty Images) In fact, he actually owns a fleet of rare Ferraris including a 1953 Ferrari 250MM, an F40, a GTB/4 Daytona, a LaFerrari hybrid and a 512 S that featured in Steve McQueen's 1971 flick Le Mans. He also owns a 1901 Panhard 5-liter, a 1927 Bugatti Type 35B, a 1957 Maserati 250F, Birdcage Maserati, a 1955 Jaguar D-Type, a 1996 McLaren F1 GTR, and several Aston Martins including an Ulster, and an LM17, LM18 and LM21, which he's owned and raced since 1973. Speaking of Goodwood, the Birmingham-born drummer, who co-wrote such hits as 'Echoes,' 'Time,' and 'Careful With That Axe, Eugene,' has driven many of his rare classic race cars up the famed 'Hill' at every Goodwood Festival of Speed event since the first one in 1993. He is considered to be part of the fabric of the hugely popular event run by estate owner the 11th Duke of Richmond and drives multiple cars at the festival each day. In fact in 2005, I was lucky enough to be given a drive up The Hill in a just-launched Nissan 350Z S-tune, and when I returned to the pits to hand the car over to the next driver, it was none other than Nick Mason. 'I hope you left some rubber on the tyres for me,' he said. I nodded. For anyone who wants to see Nick driving his treasured Ferrari 250 GTO, you must check out the following video of Mason giving a spirited passenger ride to none other than Brian Johnson, the lead singer of Australian rock band AC/DC. Mesmerizing stuff.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Is There A Nikola Tesla Invented Electric Car Out There Somewhere?
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector In the annals of automotive history, few stories tantalize the imagination of car enthusiasts and historians alike as much as the legend of Nikola Tesla's purported electric car. If true, this vehicle would not just redefine the timeline of electric automotive innovation but would also represent the Holy Grail of collector cars. A vehicle touched by the genius of Tesla, powered by a technology decades ahead of its time, would undoubtedly be the crown jewel in any collection, potentially worth more than any other classic car known to date. Tesla, known primarily for his pioneering work in electricity, supposedly built an electric car in 1931. According to the lore, he outfitted a Pierce-Arrow with a brushless AC electric motor and powered it with a "cosmic energy receiver" instead of a traditional battery. This device, said to be comprised of 12 vacuum tubes and an antenna, allegedly allowed the car to reach speeds of up to 90 mph and travel distances that would be enviable even by today's electric vehicle standards—all without the need for conventional fuel. The tale, as recounted by a supposed relative, has all the makings of a classic Tesla myth: groundbreaking technology, ahead-of-its-time concepts, and a touch of mystery, given that no physical evidence or corroborative documentation has ever surfaced. Skeptics dismiss the story due to the lack of evidence and Tesla's known penchant for visionary ideas that were not always realized. However, the very idea of such a vehicle excites the imagination. Imagine, if such a car were discovered, it would surpass the allure and value of every known collector car. It would not only be a piece of automotive history but also a direct legacy of one of the most brilliant minds in the history of science. The car would embody Tesla's vision for a future powered by free, renewable energy—making it not just a testament to past innovation but also a beacon of future possibilities. For collectors, the value of such a vehicle would be immeasurable. It would eclipse famous collectibles like the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO or the Bugatti Type 41 Royale in both historical importance and market value. The Tesla electric car would be the ultimate collector's item, representing not only a pinnacle in automotive engineering but also a landmark in the history of electricity and renewable energy. The hunt for Tesla's electric car, if it exists, continues to be fueled by both skepticism and hope. For those in the collector car community, finding Tesla's electric car would be akin to discovering a new artistic masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci—utterly priceless and forever cherished in the annals of human achievement. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The 6 best ugly-beautiful cars from the past 50 years
Some cars are unequivocally stunning: cars such as the Lamborghini Miura, the Ferrari 250 GTO, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL 'Gullwing', and the Jaguar E-Type, just to name a few. Beauty, however, can be subjective in the automotive world. Some cars manage to be so unconventional, so polarizing, that they transcend traditional aesthetics and become icons in their own right. These cars are often called 'ugly beautiful' — vehicles that defy conventional good looks but possess an undeniable charm and appeal. We celebrate six of the best ugly beautiful cars, vehicles that are as captivating as they are unconventional. Unlike its fetching convertible sibling, the M Coupe was a weird offering from Bavaria. Affectionately dubbed the 'Clown Shoe' by enthusiasts, the first-generation BMW M Coupe is one of the most divisive designs in BMW's storied history. Based on the Z3 roadster but with a shooting brake-style hardtop, the M Coupe's elongated roofline and stubby proportions look unlike anything else on the road. Looking more like an angry squatting frog on wheels than a sports car, the M Coupe thumbed its nose at what this oddball car offers goes far beyond its quirky appearance. Under the hood lies BMW's legendary inline-six engines, including the S52 and the high-revving S54 from the E46 M3 in later models. With near-perfect weight distribution, a rigid chassis, and aggressive suspension tuning, the M Coupe is an absolute blast to drive. Its bizarre looks only add to its cult appeal, making it one of the most beloved 'ugly beautiful' cars ever made. When Porsche introduced the Panamera in 2009, purists were aghast. A four-door Porsche sedan with a bulbous, awkwardly long profile? Blasphemy! But despite its ungainly roofline and rear end, coupled with heavy proportions, the first-generation Panamera has aged into a sort of misunderstood beauty. It was replaced by the current model, which is certainly more appealing to a wider audience. We find the original less conventional and, therefore, special in its own Panamera's design choices were driven by function. Its sloping roofline allowed for impressive rear headroom, and the spacious interior made it a genuine four-seater sports sedan. More importantly, the Panamera delivered performance worthy of the Porsche badge, with powerful V6, V8, and even hybrid options offering blistering acceleration and nimble handling. Over time, the Panamera's quirks have become part of its appeal — a reminder that form sometimes follows function in spectacular ways. The current Panamera might have better lines, and gone is the bulbous back end, but our hearts remain with the funky original. Long before the Urus, there was the LM 002 — an exotic, high-performance SUV so outrageous it almost defies description. It was the answer to a question nobody asked, and it was as crazy to drive as it was to look at. Lamborghini's attempt at an off-road luxury SUV in the late '80s and early '90s resulted in what's often described as a 'Rambo Lambo.' The LM 002 is a massive, blocky, military-esque machine with a towering stance and a front end that looks more suited to an armored vehicle than a supercar manufacturer. It was anything but subtle. Under the hood, however, lies pure Lamborghini madness: a 5.2-liter V12 borrowed from the Countach. This combination of off-road capability and exotic engine performance made the LM 002 a completely unique beast. You could also opt for a monstrous 7.2-liter V12 from powerboat applications if you were insane (and rich) enough. Only 301 LM 002s were ever made, and they symbolize the righteous excess of the '80s in its finest form. Its strange, aggressive design and insane powerplant make it an unforgettable entry in the ugly beautiful pantheon. The Volvo 200-Series cars are the best boxy Swedes of all time and a perfect example of how function can evolve into a kind of unexpected elegance. Their boxy, slab-sided design was the epitome of practicality. Huge rectangular headlights, windows, and side mirrors combined with tank-like boxy doors gave the cars a delightfully industrial-nerdy appearance, and the 200-Series Volvos look even better today than ever before. The cars prioritized safety, space, and visibility over any semblance of traditional beauty — and yet, its uncompromising approach has made it an favorite is the 240 wagon, which has gobs of space, huge glove-friendly switchgear, and insanely thick sheet metal. The wagon's simple lines and no-nonsense aesthetic have aged into something almost stately. College professors, architects, and upscale hippies seem to flock to it. Enthusiasts celebrate its durability, reliability, and unmistakable profile. Whether in sedan or wagon form, the 240's angular shape has become a symbol of honest engineering and Scandinavian cool. The Saab 900 is the automotive equivalent of a charming eccentric. This Swedish oddity combined unconventional styling with innovative engineering. Its distinctive upright wraparound windshield, elongated hood, sloping rear window, and high beltline made it instantly recognizable — and unlike anything else on the market. The Saab 900 kept its distinct look over the course of twenty years, even after being facelifted in 1987. It came in sedan, coupe, convertible, hatchback, and even wagon forms, with a consistent look across body types. But the 900's appeal wasn't just skin deep. It offered a turbocharged engine long before forced induction became mainstream, and its front-wheel-drive layout delivered surprising performance. The quirky cockpit, with its driver-focused controls and unique ignition placement between the seats, only added to its idiosyncratic charm. The Saab 900's individuality and spirited performance make it a classic example of ugly beauty. It still turns heads on the road today, which is a great indication of how well the quirky look has held up. The first-generation Scion xB, introduced in 2003, took the concept of a box on wheels and made it cool — at least to some. Its unapologetically square design, mad front underbite bumper, slab sides, and tall greenhouse made it look more like a rolling toaster than a conventional car, but that's what made it so special. Even the similarly squared-off Nissan Cube couldn't pull off the same look as well as the xB managed to do. The xB's quirkiness became its greatest strength. All of that boxy goodness was ruined by the larger, puffier, second-generation first-generation xB's practicality was undeniable. Its boxy shape provided incredible interior space relative to its small footprint, and its simple, no-frills approach made it an affordable and reliable choice. You could even configure the xB with a manual transmission, adding even more driving fun to the mix. The xB became a favorite canvas for customization, with owners embracing its weirdness and adding their own personal flair. Over time, the xB's oddball design has gained a devoted following, securing its place among the best ugly beautiful cars. Ugly beautiful cars remind us that automotive design doesn't always have to conform to conventional standards of beauty. A car that has character and uniqueness, one that dares to push the envelope of design and defy conventional views of automotive style, is one that stands out in the crowd. Sometimes, the most memorable vehicles are the ones that take risks, embrace individuality, and deliver something unexpected. Sometimes, it takes decades to truly appreciate what they achieved. These six cars prove that there's a certain charm in the unconventional — and that beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. Love reading Autoblog? Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get exclusive articles, insider insights, and the latest updates delivered right to your inbox. Click here to sign up now!
