John Morrison's HardDrivers

20/09/2026

THE EPIC 1997 PORSCHE GT1.

In '95 I tested for G-Force Motorsports. For some years they had serious support from Blue Coral car finishing systems for their Porsche 935 in the British Racing Drivers Club GT series. But in 1996, it was all getting a bit more serious and by 1997, a few ambitions began to be realised and G-Force became my working home for the next 5 years.

One of our party pieces for Blue Coral was to devote a whole day or two to chauffeuring BC friends and relations, business or otherwise, was to give proper fast rides during public test days at whatever circuit, usually Silverstone Grand Prix.

But to celebrate the winning of the 1997 Privilege GT series for GT1 30 years ago, we've written up what the ride entailed, here ... hop in for the ride ...

21/08/2026

https://newsroom.bugatti.com/press-releases/la-maison-pur-sang-one-of-one-restored-veyron?utm_source=wnletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=8/20/2026-Bugatti%20unveils%20a%20one-of-one%20restored%20Veyron%20in%20a%20showcase%20of%20La%20Maison%20Pur%20Sang& ;s%20peerless%20expertise

13/08/2026

... miss you Brian ...

22/07/2026

Exquisite!

There has never been an open-top version of the Chiron, as there wa...

15/06/2026

Try this ...

25/05/2026

So much more to come - but this the final year of VAG's 8 litre W16 to 1600 bhp ...

04/05/2026

Great writing from Jon Claydon in issue 23 of The Road Rat on the Ascendancy of Bugatti ...

24/04/2026

AVD-Revival – Belgian Carrossiers Extraordinaires

AVD-Revival – immaculate reproductions

Some of you may remember Laure Beneteau, who spent over 20 years at Bugatti, where she played a key role in delivering an exceptional customer experience. She was instrumental in overseeing the configuration and delivery of around 1000 Veyron, Chiron and derivatives models, with a level of precision and dedication that set a true benchmark.

Today, Laure operates as an independent consultant, bringing her expertise to a select number of high-end automotive projects. Among them is a particularly exciting collaboration with AVD Revival, a company dedicated to the art of true coachbuilding.

Rather than producing replicas, AVD Revival embraces a philosophy of craftsmanship and authenticity , creating vehicles that capture the spirit, emotion, and mechanical depth of the originals, while benefiting from the precision of modern engineering. Their interpretation of the iconic 1964 Ferrari 250 GTO is a striking example: a car that is not only visually faithful, but also delivers an immersive driving experience true to its heritage.

Each car is meticulously crafted in a limited series of just ten units, with the possibility of FIA competition specification for those seeking an even more authentic approach. Built from a 330-series donor platform and extensively re-engineered, these cars represent a remarkable fusion of tradition and expertise.

The first prototype is now up and running, and AVD Revival will soon present their work at Top Marques Monaco this May 6th to 10th . For those attending, it will be well worth a closer look.

16/04/2026

AVD-Revival

Over the years, I’ve really not been drawn by many of the non-original remakes or copies that have come to market. Many reputedly excellent tool-room replicas never attracted me away from the real thing.

However, it maybe have been a generational thing or some of these remakes were now solidly improvements on the original. Moreover, may be there are not enough Classics to go around in any economic sense. Lately too, outside of Classic, you may have to do with something using other than an ICE. Which definitely spoils the fun forcing a rethink ...

One of my best mates needed to step away from a change of country to keep her position recently. But instead found a niche in a niche and one that really caught my eye. This Classic borders on the indescribably hugely Classic … and whatever it’s place in history, will always be almost out of touch Classic.

Yep, had my head turned … there’s a Company in Belgium mid-way twixt Spa Francorchamps and the Nürburgring by the name of AVD-Revival who discovered a new found flare. Combining their love of competition cars with understandable engineering with an exquisiteness of charisma, Ferrari became a target for closer reveal. There were other competitions cars of course which epitomized the romance of some of those droolingly Classic eras. But in Heaven's name, 'GTO' was pretty much one thing off-the-clock; their Mark Two from 1964 was the purest relish …

My dear mate then emailed to say, she’d driven it, and it’s there to be tested … what do you think?

16/02/2026

There's something about a 'longtail' ...