Connoisseur Ep 112

Welcome Connoisseur.This week I have selected a couple of choice pieces, it would be normal to put the Bugatti first but I think I am more a fan of the Lancia restomod so I'm leading with my heart. Neither of these cars are 'new new' as we have known about them for a while, but there were updates. We have another well-aged Whisky, that is coming in May, and a motor yacht that has aged equally well. All topped off with a walk down memory lane and the Cannonball Run Lamborghini Countach.

There was no F1 again this weekend, but there has been news for Mercedes F1 fans so we look at that. We are looking forward to the coming weekends race.

Living the high life is hard, but we have got you! Because you are a Connoisseur! Let's go.

The Kimera EVO37 “Martini 7”

Italian automotive company Kimera Automobili has introduced the exclusive Martini 7, a Lancia 037 restomod inspired by Martini Racing's legendary Group B car. Collaborating with two-time World Rally Champion Miki Biasion and Martini, only 37 units will be produced. The vehicle boasts a bespoke monocoque chassis, custom carbon fibre panels, and a turbocharged and electrically supercharged 2.1-litre four-cylinder engine that generates 542 bhp.

The Martini 7's design pays tribute to the original restomod while incorporating modern elements. The interior features dry carbon fibre and blue Alcantara accents, orange-backlit dials, and Martini Racing harnesses. This exceptional restomod promises to captivate motoring enthusiasts and celebrate the iconic Lancia 037.

Bugatti Bolide

Bugatti announced their Bolide hypercar in 2020, but just a few days ago they revealed on Instagram that the wait was over....

"BUGATTI’s ideation on a lightweight, track-only hyper sports car delivering incomparable performance built around the legendary W16 engine is currently being transformed into reality.

With the design having been finalised, the BOLIDE program now enters a new phase: undergoing strenuous and demanding dynamic testing and assessments to ensure the most uncompromising automobile to ever emerge from Molsheim is created."

Buying a Princess 88?

You have a few million euros and you are looking for a pocket superyacht? Well €3.64m gets you a 2015 Princess 88. So let's look at one of the launch videos of the 88 back from then and see the lifestyle you can buy.

Princess Yachts embraced the concept of the pocket superyacht, successfully crafting the elegant yet efficient Princess 88. The popular model boasted top speeds achieved with smaller engines, resulting in a more environmentally friendly vessel with reduced operating costs.

The Princess 88's standout feature was its luxurious top deck with an opening roof, reminiscent of the al fresco living area found on its larger sibling, the Princess 40M. This modern yacht benefited from an "all-new infused long-range hull," a hybrid deep-V hull design inspired by the award-winning Princess 40M.

Outdoor living spaces were also inspired by the Princess 40M, featuring a spacious flybridge, spa pool, and alfresco amenities. The yacht's engineering ensures efficient crew accommodation without disrupting owner and guest spaces. Powered by two 1,825-hp Caterpillar C32 A engines, the Princess 88 achieves a maximum speed of 27-28 knots.

Here is a rendered walk-through, though the rendering is showing its age, it gives a good overview of what you get with the 88.

So what if all this has sparked an interest in this €3.64m 4 bedroom house of the sea? Well, our friends over at Esteem have this very model for sale, so if you are interested drop Espen a message for more information.

Affiliate Feature.

Glenglassaugh 46-Year-Old

Highland distillery Glenglassaugh has revealed a limited-edition 46-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, distilled in 1975. This exquisite release is one of the oldest expressions ever produced by the renowned brand. Master Blender Rachel Barrie hand-selected a single bourbon cask to mature the scotch, drawing inspiration from the distillery's coastal setting on the picturesque Sandend Bay on Scotland's Highland coast.

The result is a deep golden amber whisky imbued with notes of tropical and summer fruit carried on an ocean breeze. Aromas of mango, plum, cherry, and black currant blend seamlessly with polished oak, red grape, and ambergris. The palate offers a rich tapestry of tropical fruit, cherry, black currant, and mango, complemented by cooling menthol and grapefruit notes. Bottled at 41.7% ABV, this rare expression just 215 bottles will be available at select retailers starting in May. The hand-numbered bottles, sealed with wax, showcase Glenglassaugh's dedication to crafting exceptional whiskies inspired by its coastal surroundings.

The Countach Killed The Cannonball

The Cannonball Run, was an underground automobile race which sprang to life in the United States during the 1970s ran from New York to Los Angeles. Famed for its daring drivers and high-performance vehicles, the race captured imaginations worldwide, despite its controversial nature.

Participants of the Cannonball Run would embark on a coast-to-coast journey from New York City to Los Angeles, traversing approximately 2,800 miles (4,506 kilometres) of American landscape. With no official rules or regulations, the goal was simple: complete the journey in the shortest time possible. Drivers would employ a variety of tactics to dodge law enforcement and traffic, often pushing their vehicles to the limit.

The race was conceived in 1971 by American automotive journalist Brock Yates and by 1979 he did his last official Cannoball. All because of one car... and that car was the Lamborghini Countach.

Trust me in saying, if you like supercars, you will love this YouTube documentary! Watch it to find out why it killed the Cannon Ball.

Formula One

Mercedes Team Reshuffle

In an effort to recover from a challenging season start, Mercedes F1 has announced a reshuffle within its technical team. James Allison has returned as technical director, swapping roles with Mike Elliott, who now assumes the position of chief technical officer. This change was initiated several weeks ago, and Allison will attend race weekends more regularly.

The decision was prompted by Elliott's conclusion that his skill set was not best suited for the technical director role. Allison's more competitive approach is seen as a better fit to drive Mercedes' in-season performance. A Mercedes spokesperson said the team is focused on "building the best racing car and building the best team to develop that car, with everybody playing to their greatest strengths in the organisation."

Mercedes F1 are clearly not taking the 2023 season as a "done deal" they are fighting.

Next Race - Azerbaijan Grand Prix - 28th Apr - 30th Apr

28th Apr Practice 1

28th Apr Qualifying

29th Apr Sprint Qualifying

29th Apr Sprint

30th Apr Grand Prix

Other News, Links and Stuff

Whats-The-Fuss

Other dates for your diary

Silverstone Grand Prix - Fri 7– Sun 9 July 

Goodwood Festival of Speed - Thu 13 – Sun 16 July

Goodwood Revival - Fri 8 – Sun 10 Sept

The Atlantic Road Trip

Looking for the ultimate luxury road trip experience? Look no further than the journey from Stockholm, Sweden to North Cape, Norway. This trip is the pinnacle of road trips, featuring breathtaking scenery, perfect driving roads, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you with memories that will last forever.

This is not your average road trip – it’s a bucket list moment that will only be done once. You will travel the road less travelled, experiencing some of the most beautiful and remote landscapes in Scandinavia. For nine days, you will witness epic scenery that will take your breath away.

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