There are few cars that can match the beauty of a classic Mercedes-Benz Gullwing. Originals are not only incredibly rare but also quite expensive, making them very exclusive vehicles. Recently up for auction, a stupendous example of this vehicle recently sold for a whopping $4.6 million (£3 million), making it the envy of most car collectors.

The luxurious brand has been known for creating fantastic vehicles with unmatched style. The 300 SL coupe model was built between 1954 and 1957, and only around 30 of these being the lightweight ‘alloy’ models. This exclusive subsection is even rarer to find, costing many millions to purchase.

This ‘alloy’ model gullwing was sold last week at the Gooding & Co auction in Scottsdale. Jonathan Welsh from the Wall Street Journal has noted that this price is extraordinarily high. They’ve conservatively estimated that it sold for nearly 7 or 8 times more than it would have only a decade ago. Indeed, in 2000 a regular gullwing would go for $300,000 while the alloy model would be perhaps double this. Now it even appears that the average gullwing goes for over a million.

The Scottsdale auction is indeed quite an event in the United States. Just last Saturday the auction sold 244 cars selling a total over $43 million. Massively exceeding pervious records set in 2007, some fantastic models have made their way onto the floor. Most notable of these have been a 1948 Trucker Torpedo which sold for $2.65 million. The truck was indeed unique as it was only one of 51 cars built by the Tucker car company, making it quite a spectacle to see. Similarly an equally rare 1947 Bentley Mark VI sold for $2.5 million at the auction. One last vehicle to note was the brilliant 1933 Pierce Arrow Silver Arrow which sold for $2 million.

It appears that for some the economy is indeed improving. While these vehicles can certainly be seen as investments and not simply toys to drive around in, their prices seem to be out of this world. Their exotic nature and beautiful shapes make them the desired pieces of any one wealthy enough to purchase them. While most of us can simply gaze upon them in awe, one lucky investor will certainly be rolling home in the car of their dreams.

While most individual’s associate expensive cars with the European market, American car manufacturers have long since experimented with this successful idea. Indeed, the ‘custom’ car market is filled with incredibly fast as well as great looking cars. Some costing as much as any European sports car, a rather unique Ford Mustang has recently gone on sale at the 2012 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, turning a few heads at its cost and looks.

An exceptional vehicle, the 2012 Ford Mustang GT recently sold for $160,000 (£100,000). Auctioned by the SPX Corporation, the company plans on donating the funds to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

SPX commissioned Galpin Auto Sports to create the unique vehicle. Making its debut in Las Vegas in September 2011, the car has made its way across the United States and had been featured on a number of channels.

What makes this car so unique is that it tries to recreate the iconic look of the 1969 Boss 429 Mustang in a modern shell. Indeed, as Marketwatch noted, the specially designed Mustang is outfitted with racing performance springs, Custom Forgiato wheels that have been equipped with Pirelli P-Zero Rosso tires. Not to be outdone, the car also comes with custom suede and leather trimming upholstery that would make the most conservative car enthusiast envious. Furthermore, the vehicle also comes with a SPX Sunpro gauge Pod Kit as well as a special Tachometer and shift light.

The outside is truly reminiscent of the 1969 Boss 429. The 2012 Mustang comes with a gorgeous PPG Candy Apple Red Pearl Paint job and a fabricated spoiler.  On the back the car also had a rather impressive 2012 Boss Laguna Seca Rear spoiler. The hood as well as scoop features look very much like the 60’s model, coming with valve covers as well as a Canton polished intercooler and radiator. Looking very much like the car of the future but straight out of the past, it is a fantastic example of what custom shop specialists can do.

PR Newswire noted that this is the third time the company has donated the car to the hospital, helping to raise a total of $450,000 (£280,000). The Chairman, President and Chief Executive officer Christopher Kearney noted that this close relationship has produced real results in curing catastrophic childhood diseases. Providing as much support as possible, the company believes that its collaboration with Barrett-Jackson as well as Galpin Auto Sports is not only worthwhile but truly amazing.

I’m convinced that companies create concept cars to taunt us. They sculpt exquisite vehicles out of metals, crafting machines from the future. Who amongst us would not want to own a concept Ferrari or Lamborghini? Indeed, these absolutely stunning cars show us where the industry is headed and what designers are planning next. As each car manufacturer tries to outperform the other, it seems that now Honda will try to awe us with their own concept, one that will certainly be turning a few heads.

Set to debut at the 2012 Detroit auto show, Honda’s NSX is not a new car but rather a radical remodelling of an old favourite. Originally produced between 1990 and 2005, the mid-engine vehicle was powered by a V6 engine and was quite popular due to its unique design and quick speed. However, due to dwindling sales the car became economically enviable. Since 2007 there were talks to bring it back, revamped and reimagined. Out of the ashes rose the Acura ASCC and more recently the direct successor called the NSX.

Honda’s CEO noted that the drive is not simply more exhilarating but also far easier to control and enjoy. The new environmentally friendlier car will incorporate electric drivetrain  in order to give the engine an extra boost. Still mid-engine, the vehicle will now boast a 400bhp four-wheel drive hybrid 3.5-litre V6 engine that will push 0-62 mph in just under 5 seconds.

Reporters at Autoexpress noted that the concept car will have its debut as an Acura, the more luxurious North American arm of the company. However, when it comes to the UK reports suggest that it will have a Honda badge.

Recent reports suggest that the car will also play a role in the upcoming summer blockbuster The Avengers. Based on the films and comic books it looks like it might be driven by Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) otherwise known as Iron Man. While the previous Iron Man films featured the Audi R8 quite prominently, perhaps it’s time for the Honda to steal some of the limelight.

A car that will certainly be turning a few heads when it roars, it looks like it will be quite an exciting year. Keep an eye out for this and many other fascinating vehicles in the Detroit autoshow in the upcoming weeks.

Few companies have the same pedigree as the prancing horse.  Each and every model is meticulously crafted to be the best I can be, ultimately meeting and breaking certain standards. Constantly innovative, Ferrari has recently unveiled the 599 XX Evo, the latest addition to its car family. Set to replace the 599 and the Enzo based FXX, it looks like the company finally managed to outdo itself.

The Evoluzione, or evo for short, is the next step in the evolution of the model. Similar to the FXX, the vehicle is not street legal but nonetheless offers an incredible boost in speed. In many ways the car offers its very wealthy driver a peak into the next-generation performance technology that will slowly make its way into the standard line.

What sets this car apart from other Ferrari’s is its modified Enzo-sourced V12 engine. Capable of producing 750 bhp at 9000 rpm and 700Nm, it will certainly impress. Furthermore, at 200km/h the car produces a total downforce of 330 km with flaps open and 440km if closed. With all this behind the hood, Ferrari recently stated that the car was capable of completing its notoriously difficult Fiorano test track in just 1 minute 15 seconds.

Furthermore, this car is set to change Ferrari aerodynamic forever, offering numerous improvements over standard techniques. Premiering its ‘open gap’ design, the car uses 2 flaps similar to ones used in F1 cars to judge the downforce between the front and rear axles. These work together with SCM, ESP, ABC and F1 traction controls to balance the car out. Auto-Types has noted that the car will have modifications made to the front and rear splinter as well, helping with its aerodynamics.

Lastly, Ferrari has been ever keen to cut down the weight of the car. Here, aluminum is used to reduce the weight by 77 pounds. Every pound counts, costing the car much needed speed. This decrease combined with its new Pirelli tires has Ferrari hoping that it will be just enough to make this car its best.

To be revealed at the 26^th edition of the Bologna Motor show in Italy, the car will certainly be turning a few heads on tracks soon. While there is no information about the price, if the FXX’s price tag says anything it certainly won’t come cheap. So if you’re in need of a fast track car and are willing to shell out a lot of money then the 599XX Evolution will certainly be the right car for you.

Autoshows are truly fascinating events, allowing us mere mortals to gaze into the most innovative ideas developed by car manufactures. While the recent Frankfurt Auto Show showed us a number of fantastic cars, the current Tokyo Motor Show has gone a step further, showing us the next-generation of technological innovation. However, the show has not been without fault, presenting a waning Japanese auto industry. Created by a troubling economy and unstable industry, it seems that the Japanese Auto Show is no longer of great importance.

The biennial show opened today and offered an assortment of green themed cars. Focusing upon electric vehicles, fuel cell cars as well as the battery and power sources capabilities, many Japanese companies have shown the public what they have been working on behind the scenes.

Many analysts have noted that the autoshows have been getting smaller, no small part due to the influence of China and India. Indeed the Japanese automakers have had a tough time selling and producing vehicles due to the strong yen and very strong competitors in these regions.

These difficulties were only made worse by the earthquake that plagued Japan earlier this year. Affecting all the large manufactures, many of the factories have had to shut down and models dismantled. While the recovery has been slow, the effects are certainly seen in the recent developments.

Indeed, large manufactures like Ford has completely skipped the show and GM only has a small presence. Similarly, European manufactures like BMW are trying their hand at the market while remaining ever weary of its weaknesses.

Nonetheless, the impact of green energy is still felt at the event. Honda has already announced the ‘Fit’ subcompact car that will be making its way into the US market as well as its AC-X hybrid vehicles.  The tiny electric car is seen as edgy and ultimately tries to show where the car industry is going.

These innovations were added to by the very futuristic Pivo 3. The car is made to turn sharp corners, park itself, and also show its owner where it is parked. Given all of this it looks like the Pivo will certainly be a car to look out for in the next few years.

The Toyota booth has also had some popularity, showing the new Prius hybrid that has been a hit domestically and abroad. With the earthquake hit Toyota hard, forcing them to scale back productions, they nonetheless hope to be back on track soon.

While the autoshow appears to offer a great deal to the consumer, it is a sad sight to see so many brilliant carmakers struggling to attract the worlds attention. Certainly a microcosm of greater events, let us hope that the next Tokyo Autoshow will be a greater success.

The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, taking place on Sunday 6 November, is the longest running motoring event in the world. 115 years and 78 runs and counting!

Setting off just before the official sunrise start of 07.02, Jutta will drive a replica of the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen created by her great grandfather Carl Benz, which heralded the invention of the motor car. As a replica, the car is not eligible to participate in the entire Run and so Jutta will drive to south of Westminster Bridge where the car will be loaded and transported to north of Madeira Drive where she will drive the last mile to the finish line.

Cheat.

The original 1896 Emancipation Run saw but 33 pioneering entrants attempt to prove that these infernal “carriages of no-horse-drawn” were not the work of Satan, but rather the start of something wonderful. This year, though, will see over 50 pre-1905 vehicles take to the road.

Events will kick off on Friday 4 November with an exclusive Run auction as presented by Bonhams. This will feature the biggest collection of Veteran cars eligible for the Run on sale in one place!

Then, in the wake of the RAC Future Car Challenge on Saturday 5 November, a host of celebrities will stay on to experience the first-time Regent Street Motor Show. Damon Hill OBE, 1996 Formula One World champion, will headline on the stage. That should be a laugh.

Well-known motoring personality Quentin Willson, BBC Radio 2’s Sally Boazman, Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud, Smooth FM DJ Mark Goodier and Don Wales, holder of the UK Land Speed Record for an electric car, will also be in attendance.

Then will come Sunday 6 November – the big day! As the sun rises over the Capital on Sunday morning, the first car will depart on the historic 60 mile trip to Brighton at precisely 7:02am official sunrise, marking the 75th anniversary start from Hyde Park. Following much of the original 1896 route, the journey will stretch many of the cars to their limit and beyond before arriving at the finish line in Madeira Drive on Brighton’s seafront between 10am and 4.30pm.

After completing the epic adventure, participants, guests, sponsors and event partners will join in celebration of the 115th anniversary as the Royal Automobile Club introduces a new finale to the three day motoring spectacular.

Well, this is gearing up to be a very exciting weekend indeed for motoring fans. The past is toasted and the future celebrated. What could be better?

At one point or another we’ve all encounter an old car. Whether it is an 1930’s Chevy Pickup or 1970’s Citroen, we considered them ancient by modern standards. However, once in awhile a model comes along that makes our vehicles look like toddlers, revealing a time when the car as a relatively new concept. Sold yesterday in Pennsylvania, an 1884 De Dion made an appearance that would make most car enthusiasts jaws drop, revealing a time where the vehicle was considered a new concept.

Called La Marquise, a name it gained from the mother of Count de Dion, this 1884 De Dion Bouton et Trepardoux Dos-a-Dos Steam Runabout steam-powered relic was the star of the auction at Hershey. Its importance was considered so significant that when it drove off the podium it drew a standing ovation from the crowds.

This classic vehicle is a fossil, representing the finest in Victorian engineering. Auction experts estimated it’s worth between $2 and $2.5 million, with bidding beginning at a modest $500,000. It did not take long for it to climb to $1 million, ultimately selling for a staggering $4.6 million to an anonymous bidder. It is a world record in the early motoring division, making it a truly amazing find.

The car, or rather a quadricycle to be more accurate, has a top speed for around 37 mph. It was heavily resorted in the 1980’s by Tim Moor, a racing enthusiasts, who took it out to the London-to-Brighton run several times. As Alain Squindo a specialist at the RM Auction house noted, car collectors see such vehicles as holy grails. They are windows into our pasts, allowing us to see how steam technology worked a century ago.

De Dion-Bouton was a French automaker operating during the late 19^th early 20^th century. Formed as a toy locomotive store, it grew to dominate the automotive market, becoming the largest manufacturing during its time. Praised for quality as well as reliability, it produced steam cars at first, moving to the internal combustion engine at the end of the century. Now a relic, it is a happy reminder of where we came from and have progressed to.

The luxury car market is filled with brilliant vehicles yours for the taking, assuming you can afford them. With some costing as much as several homes, it seems that with every passing year an even more expensive model surfaces. The Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, costing around £1.5 million, has turned many heads, so too as the more modest £1.1 million for the Pagani Zonda Clique Roadster. But now it appears that they have a new contender that will put them to shame.

You may be expecting a 1,000 bhp, 0-62 mph in 2-second car but unfortunately you won’t find one. The car is so small that it can fit on your dinning table with room to spare and unfortunately doesn’t come with an engine. Slightly shocking that it would cost nearly £4 million, the vehicle in question is nothing more than a model of an Lamborghini Aventador.

With a fully functioning Aventador costing £240,000, you may be asking yourself: why am I going to pay so much for a model of a car? Well, ladies and gentlemen, this is no ordinary car model that you can find at your local shop. Rather it is a bejewelled copy, lined with the most expensive materials on the planet.

Revealed at the Frankfurt Auto Show, at one-eighth scale it is certainly a lot smaller but certainly not less exquisite than the original. The German model maker Robert Gulpen created it, working with Lamborghini to fashion the best replica possible. Initial reports suggest that it took nearly 500 hours to create the piece, and looking at the details it’s not surprising to see that it took so long to finish.

The models body is a composite of carbon fibre and woven gold lacework. Mr Gulpen embedded nearly £1.7 million worth of previous stones that make the entire car shine and sparkle. The wheels are made of gold and platinum, the seats of diamond, even the headlights are adorned .

The car is going on sale at Sotheby’s in December with the opening bid starting at £3 million. It is certainly not something that most of us will be able to afford any time soon. If you’re particularly adamant about purchasing this vehicle for your home you can get it now for the low, low price of £4 million.

It seems that the recession has hit some less than others with such exquisite chattel being sold. The model looks absolutely astonishing regardless of how expensive it is. While one lucky will, at some point, add this to their vast car collection, the rest of us can only dream.