by stefan einz » Thu Dec 25, 2014 11:18 am
There are probably two ways I could answer this. First, those cars in which I have had one or more truly memorable drives, where the car was central to my enjoyment. Second, those cars that I've driven which made a huge impression on me.
So, to the first option, it's actually fairly easy for me:
In an easy first place, Porsche Carerra GT. Every single drive in this car is memorable, but some have been sensational. At the top of the list would be the three hour run back up the Col de Vence from French rivieria, roof off, V10 engine note bouncing off the mountains. The car is so visceral, so engaging and demanding of the driver it rewards good driving like no other car I've driven.
In second place, the Porsche 911 Carerra Club Sport. Like the CGT, this is an entirely analogue car. Its centre piece is its steering feel. Non power assisted, no car I've driven communicates through the helm like a CS. It has just the right amount of power - you have to keep the revs between 5,000 and its red line at 6,800 rpm for the engine to sing. You can drive like this for hours without the car feeling even slightly strained. I've lost count of how many wonderful drives on the quiet D-roads on France I have had in this car. Approaching a corner, I love the the way the CS responds to a good H&T double-declutch downchange, the way its natural understeer is quelled by a touch of trail braking, the way the rear of the car rotates and is then balanced by a whiff of throttle, followed by all the gas once the car is past the apex, making use of its sensational traction. Ah, it's just motoring heaven.
Third place is harder. A few cars vie for my attention here. I've had some great drives in V12 front engined Ferraris - 550 Maranello and F12. Ferrari do grand tourers better than anyone. But my third place goes to another Porsche - the 996 generation GT3. I used to own a Mk2 (2003-2006) and now own an RS. I feel more at home in this car than any other. I've driven my own cars and those owned by friends over tens of thousands of road and track miles. I've even raced a 996 GT3 Cup car for two seasons at the Nurburgring. The engine is a masterpiece. The sound between 6,000rpm and 8,400 rpm is pure race car (no surprise - it is a race engine). The handling demands respect and eleven years later I am still enjoying the challenge of mastering it near to and on the limit (on track!). It feels unbreakable as only a Porsche can.
So a Porsche clean sweep. I suppose it's not surprising, given that I've driven so many miles in them.
But if I answer the question a different way - i.e. those cars that have made a huge impression on me, perhaps just from a short drive, the list is a bit different.
Easily at number one is the McLaren F1. I've driven a car belonging to a generous friend twice. Both times it was an almost overwhelming experience. The engine dominates proceedings. The thumping intake sound at mid revs is replaced by the finest V12 scream at 7,000 rpm. The gearbox is rifle bolt precise, and very challenging to use given the lack of flywheel inertia and full carbon clutch. The handling is, well, not great. Heavy steering and lots of understeer are not happy bedfellows. And the brakes are also not assisted, although after a while you do get used to this, and the feel is lovely. The central driving position is, of course, very special and it is also benefits from having a very small footprint on the road. Overall, if money were no object, this would be in my fantasy garage.
Second place goes to the Ferrari F12. There is a theme here. I am a sucker for a great engine, and the best engines are V12s. The engine in this car is, whisper it, even more maniacal than the F1. It punches harder at low revs, and revs to 8,250rpm, at which point it is putting out 740hp. This is in grand tourer! Driving a prancing horse badged car is always evocative, and despite the extraordinary technology in the F12 (e-diff, F1-track, magnetic dampers, double clutch gearbox etc.) it is still enormously exciting and engaging. Even Clarkson wondered if, actually, it had a bit too much power. It is vaguely unhinged!
Third place goes to the Light Car Company Rocket. Like the McLaren F1, it is a Gordon Murray creation so reflects his philosophy of light weight and supple suspension. It is rather extreme to drive (best with a helmet on), and the screaming Yamaha FZR 1-litre engine needs revving to deliver its performance. But no other car better demonstrates the dynamic benefits of low mass - in this case, under 400 kg fully wet. The steering is telepathic. The brakes (from an F3 racer) are powerful and easy to modulate. The chassis balance is near perfect. For a short B-road run, few cars are as quick or engaging.
finally, an honourable mention must go the E39 M5. This is the car I would choose if I had to own just one car that can cover every base - there is no better all rounder.
Thanks for the thread - it's been enjoyable writing about some of the cars that I love!
Cheers