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Legends of Lamborghini

27 June, 2017

Valentino Balboni seems like the type of guy who might have a few good work stories. Balboni began work at Lamborghini in 1968, eventually rising to the role of Chief Test Driver. He was forced into retirement by Italian Government age regulations in 2008 but continues to consult to the Italian carmaker and adds a touch of magic to everything he’s involved with.

We dug up this video of him back in the drivers seat of a 1986 Countach QV Downdraft made specifically for Lamborghini CEO at the time, Patrick Mirman.

Cool as a cucumber doesn’t get close to describing this legend.

Merry Christmas from NZ Classic Car magazine

23 December, 2024

The Classic Car magazine team is taking a few weeks’ holiday from the work computer and heading to the beach for some kickback time.
Merry Christmas, and have a wonderful summer holiday to all our readers, followers, and fans. Enjoy this special extra time with the family. We will be posting archive articles again in mid to late January.
Have fun, be good and be careful out there.

Two engines instead of one?

13 December, 2024

Popping two motors into a car is not only complicated, it doesn’t always end well. Donn Anderson recalls early attempts, including John Cooper’s ill-fated original Twini Mini built 58 years ago

For a boost in performance, better traction, and perhaps improved handling to some, two motors seems an obvious solution. It would also eliminate the need to develop a larger engine replacement from scratch, but would that outweigh the not inconsiderable technical difficulties?
The idea of using a pair of engines dates back at least 86 years to the Alfa Romeo Bimotor single seater racing car that was officially timed at 335km/h, or 208mph. Taking a lengthened Alfa P3 chassis, the Italians fitted two supercharged straight eight 2.9-litre and 3.2-litre engines, one in front of the cockpit, and the other behind the cockpit.