The classic 1970s italian sportsbike

Seven decades ago, Yamaha Motor were born. Here’s how it all came about, how they’ve grown and all the highlights since...

No matter what the onslaught of incredible stats, it’s the gearknob I remember most. Sure, when the McLaren F1 was launched in 1994 it cost £540,000 (plus taxes) and there was talk of a 6.0-litre V12

Price new: £265,937 Price now: £800,000 Engine: 6.5-litre V12 Transmission: Six-speed manual, four-wheel drive Power/torque: 661bhp/660Nm 0-62mph: 3.2 seconds Top speed: 212mph (209mph with aero kit)

From MCN’s seven decades of history, these are the machines that have made their mark. But which is the greatest of all?

Going from modern-era LMP2 cars to a Ford GT40 gave Alex Brundle an eye-opening – and at times hairy – new perspective on Le Mans, as he reports from this year’s Classic An opportunity to return to Le

Bought on a whim, Keith Prentice’s Laverda Jota has been part of his life for 42 years. After 100,000 miles together, it’s a bond that’s too strong to break