Mr. Worldwide
Hand built in England with gorgeous Touring Superleggera bodywork from Italy and a good old American V8 from Chrysler under the bonnet, the Jensen Interceptor was truly an international collaborative effort that combined each nation’s respective specialties into an astoundingly good grand tourer. Despite the considerable appeal, just 6,408 Interceptors will built during its decade in production, of which a mere 1,128 cars were Mark II variants like this 1971 example.
Arguably the sweet spot in the Intercepter lineage, the Mark II featured improved interior ergonomics and subtle styling enhancements compared to the Mark I, and this Gunmetal Grey example with its gorgeous mulberry red leather interior is a superb representative of the breed. Benefitting from a sympathetic restoration, this Interceptor’s 6.3-litre V8 and manual gearbox should be in excellent health. If you’re looking for a comfortable and capable classic GT, this Interceptor will make your next road trip one to remember!
The Ride from Ronin
If there’s one thing super sedans are known for beyond their straight line speed, it’s their equally rapid rate of depreciation. That makes this already-depreciated D2-generation Audi S8 all the more appealing as a potential modern classic daily driver. Famous for starring alongside Robert De Niro in the 1998 action thriller ‘Ronin’, this autobahn missile combines a 364 horsepower 4.2-litre V8 with Audi’s excellent turn-of-the-millennium cabin quality, resulting in one of the greatest saloons of the early 2000s.
This example has certainly seen its fair share of highways and current displays an impressive 296,246 kilometres on its odometer. Despite the high mileage, both the interior and exterior remain in excellent condition, while its combination of grey over grey remains as timeless as ever. Available for less than 10,000 euros, you’ll struggle to find more car for the money anywhere on the internet.
That’s a Moray!
Named after the Italian word for a moray eel, the Matra Murena followed on from the popular yet highly flawed Matra Bagheera. It’s predecessor was notoriously rust prone, while enthusiasts were disappointed by the lack of five-speed gearbox and underwhelming performance; all things Matra aimed to address with the Murena. This may come as a surprise based on the silhouette alone, but — like the Bagheera — the Murena adopted a three-seat cabin layout and a mid-engined rear-wheel drive configuration, resulting in one of the most unique sports cars on the market at the time.
This example is a 1984 Matra Murena 2.2 S, of which only 480 were ever built. The most powerful model in the range, the Murena 2.2 S was powered by a mid-mounted, 2.2-litre inline four-cylinder engine that produced a respectable 142 horsepower. Finished in silver over a pinstriped fabric interior, this Murena has covered a little over 139,000 kilometres and has recently been treated to a complete overhaul. So, if you want to join the three-seater club along with the McLaren F1 and Gordon Murray Automotive T.50, this is easily the cheapest point of entry!
The Dinotto
Business wasn’t exactly booming for Ferrari in the United States during the 1970s. The oil crisis and its accompanying emissions regulations meant that by 1975, the only new Ferrari Americans could buy was the wedge-shaped 308 GT4, whose Dino badge exempted it from prancing horse status according to some. Famed American Ferrari importer Luigi Chinetti needed to act fast, and so after convincing il Commendatore himself with his plan, the Maranello factory began working on the first and only 308 GT4 LM.
Chassis number 08020 was selected for the transformation, and was immediately put on a drastic diet that saw 200kg dropped from the production 308 GT4 through the use of aluminium and fibreglass body panels and plexiglass windows. The bodywork was radically altered with bulging wheel arches, an aggressive front splitter, and a gargantuan rear spoiler, while the transversely mounted V8 was uprated with parts from the 365 GTB/4 ‘Daytona’ Competizione and now produced 300bhp at 8,200rpm. After catching wind of the private tests of this machine at Fiorano, the Italian press dubbed this mysterious new racer the ‘Dinotto’.
The Dinotto’s first taste of battle came at the 1974 24 Hours of Le Mans, where N.A.R.T. discovered it didn’t quite fit any of the homologation rules for the different categories. Nevertheless, having qualified 38th in a class filled with much faster prototype machines, the Dinotto was forced to retire after 30 laps as a result of clutch failure. Sadly, upon returning to La Sarthe the following year, the Dinotto was barred from competition entirely. Having been cared for by just three private owners, this unique Ferrari is now looking for a new custodian who will appreciate its fascinating backstory and one-of-a-kind configuration.
Y10? Why Not!
Lovers of obscure Italian hot hatches step right this way. Manufactured between 1985 and 1995, the Autobianchi Y10 replaced the equally-rad A112 and — despite its brick-like silhouette — was impressively aerodynamic with a drag coefficient of just 0.31. Characterised by its vertical hatchback, which was finished in satin black regardless of the chosen body colour, the enthusiast’s choice of the Y10 was undoubtedly the Turbo variant, perfectly represented by this pristine 1985 example.
Under the bonnet, the Y10 Turbo was powered by a 1.0-litre four cylinder engine equipped with a Formula One-inspired turbocharger, resulting in a peak power output of 85 bhp. A heavy right foot would see the Y10 Turbo rocket to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds, while those brave enough to reach Vmax would be travelling at 112 mph flat-out. This particular Y10 Turbo is in outstanding condition and currently shows a mere 51,000 km on the clock with just one previous owner. Are you as tempted by this Italian pocket rocket as we are?
