This weekend, the international racing season will kick off with the Daytona 24 Hours. The legendary endurance race has seen many great winners and today we highlight a few of those that we have featured in our extensive database. We have also added a few shots from the Ferrari 488 GTE and BMW M6 GTLM, both of which will make their competitive debut at Daytona. In qualifying, the BMW performed best by setting the third fastest time of the sessions. Celebrating BMW's 100th anniversary, the two cars entered by the works supported Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing team boast a special livery.
Porsche is the most successful manufacturer at Daytona, winning the first endurance event at the track with a 718 RSK, while this very 911 Carrera RSR 3.0 scored the outright victory in 1975. The only car ever to win both the Daytona 24 Hours and Sebring 12 Hours was also a Porsche; the 935 JLP-3, which performed that feat in 1982.
Ferrari has also done well at Daytona and even, unofficially, named a model after the racing track. Among the outright winners were a 250 GTO/64, a 312 PB and more recently the howling 333 SP.
In the early 1990s, the Japanese manufacturers took control of endurance racing in North America and brought out hugely potent racers like the all-conquering Toyota Eagle GTP Mk III and the Nissan 300ZX IMSA, which also won its class at Le Mans.

Porsche have today released the first details of the all-new 718 Boxster. It is the first time a Boxster is powered by a flat-four engine and the 718 moniker is a referral to the successful RSK and RS Spyder racers of the 1950s and 1960s that were also powered by four-cylinder engines. Both equipped with a turbo, the two-litre version of the engine of the entry-level 718 Boxster produces 295 bhp, while the 2.5-litre 718 Boxster S engine is good for 344 bhp. Even though the latest generation Boxster is fitted with smaller engines, both versions are more powerful and quicker.
Jaguar, meanwhile, offered a first glimpse of the SVR version of the F-Type both in Coupe and Convertible form. Further details and specifications will be revealed in a month's time, a few weeks ahead of the official launch in Geneva.
Also due to be revealed at the Swiss show early in March will be the Vauxhall GT Concept. The compact, front-engine, rear-wheel drive coupe is a tribute to the Opel GT of the 1960s. It is powered by a highly efficient three-cylinder engine that produces 143 bhp. The GT Concept has striking lines but is perhaps let down by the unusual red accents.

Introduced in 1989, the R32-generation Nissan Skyline GT-R is one of the greatest Japanese cars of all time. Originally conceived strictly as a homologation special to compete in Group A, the R32 GT-R was both a success on the road and track. Highly sophisticated, the new-for-1989 Skyline GT-R featured variable four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering. It was powered by a twin-turbo straight six that, due to a gentleman's agreement between the Japanese manufacturers, was rated at just 276 bhp. Even in stock form, it was more powerful but it could very easily be tuned to at least twice the standard rating. Its successes on the racing track, which included victories at Bathurst and Spa-Francorchamps, the R32 GT-R received the nickname 'Godzilla'. As it was very easily modified, the GT-R was and still is very popular with tuners. As a result relatively few original examples have survived. The featured car is one of these rare unmolested R32 GT-Rs. Consigned by its first owner to this week's RM Sotheby's Scottsdale sale, it has covered less than 14,000 km from new. Offered without a reserve and estimated to sell for just $50,000 - $70,000, it is remarkably good value for the cult legend.
Rarer and not nearly as well known is this OSCA 2000S sports racer. It is one of just a handful of OSCAs built by the Maserati brothers equipped with a straight six engine. This twin-cam unit was jointly developed for a two-litre single seater and sports car. The featured example was one of just three sports cars and has an extensive competition history. It was even raced in the Pikes Peak hill-climb during the 1960s, powered by a Chevrolet V8 engine. We captured this very rare OSCA at last year's Modena Trackdays and Chantilly Arts & Elegance.

From the second half of the 1950s, Ferrari started series production of a road car that shared the underpinnings with the highly successful 250 GT competition cars. Designed and built by Pininfarina, the second version of the road car was this strikingly beautiful 250 GT Coupe. Over a four year period just over 350 examples were built. As they were not quite as sought after as the similar competition models, many were later cut up to build 250 TR or 250 GT TdF replicas. Fortunately, this has now stopped and the surviving examples have gradually risen in value. In today's article, two examples are featured; one fully restored and due to cross the RM Sotheby's auction block in Paris early next month and one beautifully preserved car that starred at Pebble Beach in 2013.
Celebrating its 100th anniversary, BMW has been very successful in motorsport for many of those ten decades. During the 1970s, the German manufacturer was a prominent engine supplier for sports cars and single seaters. Among them was the BMW-powered March 782 Formula 2 car. Developed by March with factory backing, it helped BMW drivers Bruno Giacomelli and Marc Surer place first and second in the highly competitive 1978 F2 championship. We have added two chassis, one of which was retained by BMW and has been recently restored.
A decade earlier, French aeronautical company Matra burst onto the scene with some highly competitive single seaters, including this MS5 Ford. It featured a sophisticated aluminium monocoque and could be run in both F2 and F3 configurations. Of the 12 cars built, we have highlighted four survivors, including the car raced by Jackie Stewart for Ken Tyrrell.

Among the most successful of the Fiat 8V racing cars were the examples clothed by Zagato. Before the Milanese company created a run of complete bodies for the V8-engined sports car, Zagato also re-worked five of the 'standard' bodied cars. These very rare machines were aptly named the 8V Zagato Elaborata for reworked. While retaining the overall shape of the Rapi designed originals, the Elaboratas received Zagato's trademark double-bubble roof, lightweight bumpers and plexiglass windows. The featured example was sold new in Italy and after a long spell in France is now in American hands. It has been consigned to the upcoming Bonhams Scottsdale sale. The estimate is on request but it will no doubt require a seven figure sum to pry it away from the owner.
Another rare Italian thoroughbred due to cross the block is this one-off Alfa Romeo 1900C SS Boano Coupe. Shown at the 1955 Turin Motor Show, this is striking machine not only features a one-off body by Boano, it also boasts a competition inspired engine. Although repainted once, it has survived in remarkable original condition. Consiged to the Gooding Scottsdale Auctions, the Boano Coupe also has an estimate on request but is also offered without reserve!
At last week's Autosport Show, Ginetta revealed the new G57 Chevrolet. Based on the successful LMP3 car, this is a track-day only machine and as such not bound by any rules. With 580 bhp on tap, the G57 should make for a startlingly quick 'toy'.

This weekend the MECC exhibition centre in Maastricht hosted the 23rd annual Interclassics Maastricht. This is the largest event of its kind in the Benelux area, and attracted close to 30,000 visitors over days; a 10% increase over last year. In addition to the dealers, clubs, restorers and automobilia merchants, the show floor boasted a special display celebrating the 100th anniversary of the BMW brand and also a selection of fine Bentleys and Rolls-Royces as part of a dedicated British Royals display. Auctioneer Coys also hosted a 57-lot sale with a colourful mix machines that was well matched to the cars on display in the main show halls. Our photographers kicked off the 2016 season in Maastricht and have returned with a 120-shot gallery featuring all the highlights and illustrating a concise report.
Part of the BMW 100th anniversary display and one of the absolute highlights of the show was this Benetton B186 BMW. One of the most powerful F1 cars ever built, it was also the very first to use the Benetton name. It was designed by a young Rory Byrne and already showcased his talents. Gerhard Berger used one to great effect and scored his maiden Grand Prix win that year. Wheeled out by a Belgian enthusiast, the featured example is the very first chassis built and one of just five survivors.

Chevron had a remarkable run of debut victories for a new model, which started with the very first model; the Chevron B1 that debuted in 1965. Although, it was not the first car designed and built by Derek Bennett, the Chevron B1 broke new ground as it was earmarked for production. The featured example was the very first one, which was commissioned by Brian Classick and raced with great success alongside the sister car campaigned by Bennett himself. Beautifully restored, the B1 was demonstrated at last year's Goodwood Festival of Speed to celebrate Chevron's 50th anniversary.
Following a first peak on Wednesday, we can now present the Avatar Roadster from every angle. The mid-engined sports car was unveiled yesterday at the Performance Car Show in Birmingham, and will enter production shortly.
Meanwhile, MINI announced the new range-topping John Cooper Works Convertible. Compared to the Cooper S, the JCW version is 39 bhp more available thanks to a retuned two-litre turbo engine. The John Cooper Works will be available with either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox.

Fearing the arrival of a brand new V6-engined Ferrari sports prototype, Porsche stepped up their efforts for the 1965 European Hill Climb Championship. A year earlier, the German manufacturer had managed to win the sports car class with six- and eight-cylinder engined version of the 904 but they believed that would not suffice and set about creating a much lighter machine. It was one of the first project headed by Ferdinand Piech and his no-compromise approach resulted in the 904 Bergspyder, considered by some as the most ungainly of all Porsche racing cars. It also did not handle very well and one even received the nickname Kangaroo for its tendency to hop. Porsche's fears had been justified and despite several wins for the new Bergspyder, Ferrari won the championship. Porsche sold all surviving examples at the end of the season and the featured example is one of only two known to exist today.
A persisting theme at the 2016 NAIAS was the front-engined, rear-wheel drive coupe. Among them was this Acura Precision Concept, which serves as a preview of the future Acura design language. What will be available at a showroom near you is the new Infiniti Q60, which is due to replace the G37. The top of the range model is powered by the new 400 bhp twin-turbo, 3-litre V6 engine.
At the upcoming Performance Car Show in Birmingham, a brand new British sports car will break cover. Dubbed the Avatar Roadster, it features a mid-mounted, four-cylinder engine. In addition to the 'standard' 250 bhp unit, a larger, 350 bhp engine will also become available. The first Avatar Roadsters are already due to reach the customers in May.

Today, the annual North American International Auto Show in Detroit kicked off with the first of the traditional press-preview days. Two rear-wheel drive Coupes took centre stage on the opening day. The finest of the pair is the Lexus LC 500. This all-new range-topping model is the first of a next generation platform, which combines a mix of sheet steel and carbon-fibre composite panels. The two-door, four-seater LC 500 is powered by the same 467 bhp V8 that powers the high-performance F models, which is mated to a 10-speed gearbox.
Another striking coupe on display is the Avista Concept. It features an elegant two-door design, with a 400 bhp front-mounted engine that drives the rear wheels.
With the Audi h-tron quattro concept and the Volkswagen GTE Active Concept, the Volkswagen Group showcased the way forward. The Audi is equipped with a hydrogen fuel-cell that powers electric motors mounted in the front and rear axle. The Tiguan-based show car has a TSI petrol engine, supported by a pair of electric motors.
Caterham meanwhile revealed the Seven 620S. It offers the luxuries of the wider 'S' chassis with the most powerful, 310 bhp engine available in the Caterham range.
Over the weekend, the revised Mazda Prototype celebrated its public debut during the 'Roar before the 24' test at Daytona. Compared to the car raced during the past two United SportsCar Championship seasons, the new-for-2016 version boasts a petrol- instead of a diesel-engine. This should allow the car to race at the sharp end of the field.

The 2016 auction season will kick off in less than three weeks with the various sales in Scottsdale. One of the most interesting lots on offer will be the 2014 Indy 500 winning Dallara DW12 Honda that has been consigned by Gooding & Co. While Indy winners go across the block regularly, this sale is unusual in that the car is still in active duty with Andretti Autosport and will be through to the 2018 season when the DW12 type chassis will be phased out. Chassis DW12-057 will be used by Ryan Hunter-Reay, who also raced it to the 2014 Indy 500 victory, and upon its retirement will be restored to its winning configuration and delivered to the new owner. The winning bidder will also receive an 'ownership experience', which includes VIP tickets to all IndyCar races Andretti Autosport competes in with the exception of the two rounds at Indy. As far as we can tell, this is the first time an active racing car will be offered at auction and it may prove to be a viable source of funding for other teams as well.
Spread over two days, RM Sotheby's will offer a wide selection of motor cars in their annual sale. The headlining consignment is this fabulous Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster, which is available for the first time since 1989. It is one of a total of 26 Spezial Roadsters built by Mercedes-Benz on the 540 K chassis. Highly original, it is estimated to sell for $10 - 13 million. Also part of the RM sale is a very rare and highly sought after Shelby Cobra 427 Competition. Boasting a rich competition history, chassis CSX3010 on offer has been with just two very enthusiastic owners in the last 37 years. Accordingly, the pre-sale estimate is $2.5-3 million.

For some years now, cars have become a set fixture at the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. This year was no exception as one of the most exciting 'gadgets' introduced was the Faraday Future FFZERO1 Concept. Designed and built in California, the show car offers a first glimpse of a potential rival for Tesla. The FFZERO1 serves mainly to showcase the fledgling company's capabilities and features a modular chassis, equipped with four electric motors good for a combined 1,000 bhp. Driving all four wheels, the powerful motors should be able to launch the striking machine to 60 mph in under three seconds.
Also on hand in Las Vegas was Volkswagen, who are fast-tracking the company's switch to electric cars. This is underlined with the launch of the BUDD-E show car. Also modular in design, the all-electric concept is inspired by the classic bus. A production version of the platform used should be available for sale before the end of the decade.
For those of you that are more inclined to more conventional, smelly and loud machinery, we have today also taken a renewed look at a pair of classic coupes. The most famous of these is undoubtedly the Bentley Speed Six Blue Train Special. This one-off 2+1 Coupe, built by Gurney Nutting, was for many year associated with original owner Woolf Barnato's legendary race through France against the Blue Train. In more recent years, it was discovered that this was not the actual car used but the nickname has stuck. The car remains as one of the most iconic of all Bentleys.
Originally ordered by Andre Chambon, this Talbot Lago T26 Grand Sport competed at Le Mans no fewer than five times. Specifically for racing, it was fitted with a unique and very slippery coupe body. We captured the fabulous Chambas Coupe in action at Goodwood and also on the show field at Chantilly.

We would like to start with wishing you, our loyal reader, all the best for the New Year. In 2016, we will continue to cover the world's greatest events and highlight many great new, classic and competition cars. Throughout the past year, we have written many new features and some were left on the shelf awaiting to be published. Today we have taken some of these articles off our virtual shelves for your enjoyment.
First up is one of the great American sports racers; the Devin SS. Built using a chassis constructed in Northern Ireland, and an American fibreglass body and small-block engine, it put many more exotic machines to shame during the late 1950s. Not many were built in period, and we have today featured three examples, while our 59-shot gallery also includes shots of examples of which we have yet to figure out the individual histories. Devin was among the manufacturers that carried on where Cunningham had left off. The Florida-based manufacturer successfully raced sports cars on both sides of the Atlantic, while also building a small batch of road cars for homologation purposes. The featured C-3 Competition Coupe is one of the earliest of these.
At last year's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, we were treated to this one-off Delahaye 135 MS Pourtout Coupe Aerodynamique. Built for the 1946 Paris Auto Salon, it was a tribute to the Pourtout's legendary designer Georges Paulin, who was killed fighting for the resistance during the War.
Among the many fledgling teams to venture into F1 during the 1970s, Mo Nunn's Ensign was particularly persistent. The team entered cars for 99 races but ultimately failed to score a victory. Today we have added the N175, N177, N179 and N180, which are all powered by the Cosworth DFV V8 and are today regularly raced in historic events.
Due to be launched at the upcoming Performance Car show is the 350bhp Zenos E10 R. Powered by a turbocharged, 2.3-litre engine, the bare-bones roadsters tips the scales at just 700 kg. As a result, it can accelerate to 60 mph in around 3 seconds.