Charlie Martin
PORSCHE 911 (997)
My brother and I were bobbing along the pitch-black motorway when this mirage appeared in my rear-view mirror. Within seconds, it had roared past and disappeared into the horizon, leaving us slack-jawed and unable to process any more than its Texas numberplate, registration Y33-HAW.
That sight, combined with the sheer delirium resulting from waking up long before the sun, set off a fit of giggles that lasted our entire journey. As they would say in the Deep South: ride ’em, cowboy!
Jonathan Bryce
ALPINA D4 S CABRIOLET
It’s not the Ferrari Testarossa or an Alfa Romeo with chromed inlet pipes: it’s a garish diesel cabriolet. This Snapper Rocks Blue Alpina D4 S Convertible is adorned with white pinstripes and clear glass. It has white leather with black stitching. And I’d put it up against anything else at Bicester Scramble. In making a statement, it does exactly what Alpinas should. They’re bespoke, exclusive creations. Not to mention, this tone punctuates the 4 Series like gravy does Yorkshire pudding. Its design is subjective, though. And I think the BMW XM is handsome.
Sam Phillips
BMW M5 (E39)
Nestled in the corner of Bicester Heritage was arguably the best-specced BMW ‘E39’ M5 I’ve ever come across. Oxford Green, Caramel leather and a manual gearbox. What a treat. If I had a time machine, I’d travel back to meet the person who chose this spec and shake their hand. This car is no garage queen either: it’s cov
