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DEREK BELL

Octane

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September 2023

The Legend

DEREK BELL

Well, the past month or so has passed by in a blur, and it was all about Le Mans. This being the centenary year, we all hoped it would be a memorable race rather than just a procession. We got what we wanted and more.

As I have mentioned more than once, I am proud to be a Ferrari old boy, having made my debut in Formula 1 and in the 24 Hours with The Reds. Have to say, I honestly didn't expect a Ferrari to win outright, though. I had been asked during the run-up for my thoughts and I reckoned it would be Toyota's race unless something unexpected happened. Toyota had had the monopoly in the previous five races, after all.

But no. Instead, the AF Corserun Hypercar crossed the line ahead of the Japanese squad. I was delighted to see Alex Lynn finishing third in the Ganassi Cadillac. He was wearing a 'tribute' helmet in my colours. There was plenty of intrigue up and down the order and obviously having Ferrari win in such a milestone year for the first time since 1965 made headlines the world over.

PLUS D'HISTOIRES DE Octane

Octane

Octane

Schwarz Etienne Geometry

A metalwork sculpture for the more discerning wrist

time to read

1 min

January 2026

Octane

Octane

Ferdinand Berthoud Naissance d'une Montre 3

Watchworld, like the classic car world, is working to protect its traditional skills

time to read

2 mins

January 2026

Octane

Octane

A properly grand tour

2005 Maserati 4200GT

time to read

2 mins

January 2026

Octane

Octane

ART OF THE ESTATE

Rolls-Royce didn't make a Corniche shooting brake, but Niels van Roij Design has and Octane gets to drive it.

time to read

6 mins

January 2026

Octane

Octane

Mike Parkes

Ferrari works driver - and co-creator of the Hillman Imp

time to read

3 mins

January 2026

Octane

Octane

Lorry-loads of fun

AND SO ANOTHER classic car season comes to a close. I recently took the XK out to gatecrash the 96 Club gathering in Chesham Place, Belgravia, which is always extremely enjoyable but is just a trundle up the road as part of my Tour de Chelsea.

time to read

1 mins

January 2026

Octane

Octane

Simon Owen

The Scalextric head of brand has a deep love of motorsport

time to read

3 mins

January 2026

Octane

Octane

GIORGETTO GIUGIARO

He was crowned Designer of the Century in 1999. Now it's time for the great Giugiaro to look back on his stellar career

time to read

11 mins

January 2026

Octane

Octane

New body set to protect and police historic racing

A NEW NOT-FOR-PROFIT organisation has been set up to 'preserve the rich legacy of motorsport and promote historic car racing on an international level.

time to read

1 min

January 2026

Octane

Octane

Hang on lads, I've got a great idea...

There could be a quick buck to be made from buying DB Astons in the UK and selling in the US

time to read

2 mins

January 2026

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