octane: Features

First drive: MGB LE 50

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:47:25 +0000

The MGB hits 50 this year. To celebrate, Frontline Developments has launched the 212bhp, 160mph LE50. It’s pretty special but does it justify the asking price?

Driven: Bristol Fighter

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:45:44 +0000

With its gullwing doors and top speed of over 200mph, the Bristol Fighter is a member of a very exclusive supercar club.

Driven: Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:19:34 +0000

Truth be told, the DB4GT Zagato was never really competitive in period against the all-conquering 250GTOs – but it’s a fabulous driver’s car, finds Tony Dron

Front-engined Porsches

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:02:30 +0000

For too long the front-engined, watercooled Porsches have been overshadowed by the 911. Now's the time to reappraise them

The knowledge: Camshafts

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:35:39 +0000

Ralph Hosier tells you all you need to know about camshafts...

MG and Jaguar racing saloons

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:43:38 +0000

Saloon car racing began at Silverstone nearly 60 years ago. Time to take to the Grand Prix circuit and drive two rare survivors from those early days: MG YB and Jaguar MkVII, both in full race trim

Bentley 8 Litre drive story

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:25:07 +0000

The epic 8 Litre was the 100mph swansong of the WO-era Bentley company, and this was WO Bentley’s own company car. What better way to drive to Le Mans, scene of those legendary victories?

Jay Leno, January 2012

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:14:00 +0000

How to outdo a Countach driver...

Alfa Romeo Giulia Super on the Tour Auto

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:14:06 +0000

Bob and Ann Linwood took up historic rallying as ‘a hobby they could do together’. Their ambition was to be accepted for the prestigious Tour Auto – in which they’ve since done rather well...

Time with... Stirling Moss

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:31:06 +0000

Sir Stirling was the world’s best racing driver in sports cars in the 1950s, then also the man to beat in F1. We know the rest, so let’s try to dig a little deeper...

First drive: Bentley Continental V8

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:33:55 +0000

Bentley's move to V8 power for its 'entry-level' Continentals is timely, and well-judged. John Simister reckons it's good, and wonders how long's left for the W12 models...

Video: Jay Leno's garage

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 10:36:32 +0000

Video: Jay Leno's garage - Pebble Beach winning Voisin C-25 Aerodyne

AC Ace-Bristol

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 10:09:00 +0000

Almost half a century after seeing a brand new AC Ace, Tony Bancroft was finally able to buy it – and to restore this most famous of Aces

Ogle SX250

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:45:00 +0000

Tom Karen designed the car that ultimately became the Scimitar GT coupé. This is the story of an astonishing survivor – and the extraordinary manner of its birth

History of electric cars

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:43:43 +0000

Electric cars and hybrids are hot right now, but they’re nothing new. Here’s a history lesson

Jay Leno, December 2011

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 10:14:00 +0000

The long, long journey to buy a Brooklands car...

Lancia Aurelia road trip

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:45:02 +0000

Where better to have a Lancia Aurelia B20GT restored than in its home nation? Robert Coucher meets its owner there for a trip back in convoy with an Aurelia B24 Spider.

Feature: Jaguar Sports Cars - Feature: Jaguar Sports Cars

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:54:07 +0000

It’s 50 years since Jaguar last launched a sports car. Now it’s time to reveal what follows in the wake of the trailblazing SS100, XK120 and E-type.

Driven: Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:07:00 +0000

Somebody just paid a record-breaking $16.4m for this 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa prototype. This is why

The knowledge: Anatomy of the four-stroke petrol piston engine - The knowledge: Anatomy of the four-stroke petrol piston engine

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:28:00 +0000

Ever wondered how a four-stroke petrol engine actually works? Wonder no longer...

Driven: Ferrari 625A

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:07:00 +0000

Several cars have claimed the identity of Ferrari’s 1955 Monaco Grand Prix winner. Now Octane drives the real thing.