The Week In Cars

When new car news is scarce, and another organised car event is cancelled, daily driving a supercar is the fix I need.

But there are some news stories to share.

I know you’re probably thinking: “Another week. Another Porsche Retromod”, but this is the MARSIEN by Marc Philipp Gemballa.

It has a full carbon fibre exterior, is designed for on- and off-road use, and is limited to 40 examples.

With a price north of £500,000, I guess it’s not as “common” or “affordable” as a 911 Dakar.

Still, at least it’s not going to cost what the one-off (although I hear from good authority there is another one) Singer ACS at Joe Macari will be, as I have a feeling if you have to ask the price, you can’t afford it.

If you’re a straight-line speed freak, this is one for you.

John Hennessey has just taken his Venom F5 from rest to 219 mph in just half a mile, going faster than a Chiron or Nevera over the same distance.

Another restomod this week comes from Frontline Cars, who will show their V8 MGB at Monterey Car Week.

A lot of work went into this, and I’m guessing it will be fun to drive.

Now, in the world of sensible cars, Audi has launched the new A6 e-tron range, including the more petrolhead-focused S6 e-tron.

I think it’s a good-looking car inside and out, especially in the dark-coloured Avant version used in the launch photos.

In My Opinion…

As it’s summer, I like to do everything I can to drive a supercar daily; it makes even the most boring trips to the post office or cash point more enjoyable.

It also seems to me, at least, that people are a bit more positive this year when they see a supercar, as just today, the person putting up the scaffolding asked me to “Rev it” as I waited at a roundabout. Yesterday evening, I had a few thumbs up from drivers as I sat in traffic.

I had a car event planned for mid-next week, but the organiser has postponed it. This weekend is the MotoGP at Silverstone, so it may be two-wheeled instead of four. But petrolheads don't need a specific reason to enjoy our cars.

I appreciate how lucky I am and that I have car options for when the British weather turns bad, but it seems a waste not to drive a supercar on every possible occasion, and they are not as difficult to use as they used to be.

I’ve noticed…

Last week, I mentioned the Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional, so here’s a picture of the winners.

Although I think the big winner, the 1982 Toyota Hilux, may be more interesting, as it was quite desirable in its day (just watch Back to the Future).

I also noticed that people could run on Santa Pod’s drag strip during Bug Jam’s event.

I’m not the best or fastest runner, but give me half a chance, and I’ll always run (or should I say jog) or even cycle along or around a racetrack, as it is a very different way to see the venue. I wish I’d known this was happening.

Finally, there’s industry speculation that the used car market could see a 5% boost this year, mainly due to a limited supply of cars a few years ago caused by issues during the pandemic.

But I can see a few bumps in the road ahead regarding used car prices, even if potentially more people want to buy used cars.

What do you think?