Aah! Bicester

The enduring Bicester Scrambie brings out the very best in Britain's motoring scene. SAM PHILLIPS shares some of the highlights

- SAM PHILLIPS

VOLKSWAGEN XLI

Volkswagen's diesel-powered plug-in hybrid took a decade to develop and cost the firm £1 billion. Weighing just 795kg and fitted with a super-frugal 800cc engine and tiny electric motor, the XL1 could better 300mpg - but its badly timed launch was overshadowed by the Dieselgate scandal. This is one of just 24 UK cars and has covered only 3300 miles from new.

BOWLER DEFENDER CHALLENGE

Built for the one-make rally series, the Bowler Defender Challenge is a modified version of a Defender 90 P300. The rally-prepared off-roader retains the standard car's 296bhp four-cylinder engine but has a ride height increased by 25mm, is equipped with trick Fox-made dampers and features a stripped-out cabin with a full FIA-approved roll-cage.

ALPINA B3 GT TOURING

Tucked away in a quiet corner of the show was this beautiful Alpina B3 GT Touring, one of just a handful of examples sold in the UK. The B3 GT marked the end of Alpina's 3 Series-based models, with Burkard Bovensiepen's brand now under the control of BMW. We may never see such fine estate cars again - until the newly founded Bovensiepen business makes one, that is.